By Stephen Linnell
WYNDHAM has become the investment capital of suburban Victoria, attracting almost $900 million in new developments last financial year.
The record amount of $894 million is second only to Melbourne, which attracted $3.1 billion.
The figures, released by Victoria’s Building Commission, is based on the dollar value of building permits issued for domestic, residential, commercial, retail, industrial, health care and public buildings.
Some of the big ticket items that contributed to Wyndham’s 12.7 per cent growth over the previous year included the new Woolworths Liquor Distribution Centre off Leakes Rd in Laverton, the Swire Cold Storage Laverton Distribution Centre and the Kabuto Tractors development in Truganina.
Wyndham Council chief executive Peter Marshall told Star the growth in investment was a vote of confidence by the business community in the municipality.
“This level of building investment is a record for Wyndham and represents the enormous level of growth occurring within the city,” Mr Marshall said.
“This investment exceeded all other local government areas in Victoria with the exception of Melbourne.”
Wyndham also outgrew Geelong ($850 million), Whittlesea ($777 million) and Casey ($722 million).
Just five years ago, Wyndham recorded $508 million in growth.
Wyndham’s economic development unit has for the past three years set a benchmark of $500 million worth of building investment within the city per annum.
“This forms a measurable key performance indicator for the council,” Mr Marshall said.
But the record level of investment does not come without a cost.
The need for infrastructure such as roads and additional public health facilities has placed Wyndham under increasing pressure.
Demand for medical and dental services remains high, while the city’s clogged road network has been well documented and is a source of continuing frustration for residents.
Mr Marshall acknowledged the need for the council to continue to direct funding into roads and facilities.
“The City of Wyndham is the fastest growing municipality in Victoria, which places enormous pressure on the council’s ability to provide adequate infrastructure,” Mr Marshall said.
“It also affects key service delivery areas such as building and town planning.”
This year, the council has set a capital works program of $59.46 million, of which $24.8 million will be spent on roads.
Mr Marshall said despite the unprecedented growth, the council still rated among the top five for overall performance in Victoria in a recent annual local government satisfaction survey.
“It is staggering that Wyndham Council’s Town Planning department managed to rate 11 per cent higher than other Victorian Council’s in satisfaction ratings. This is an outstanding achievement – which we plan to continue,” Mr Marshall said.
