By Cassie Maher
WYNDHAM has all the key ingredients to put itself on the global map, according to urban planning expert Professor Edward Blakely, and it all starts within Werribee’s technology precinct.
Prof Blakely visited Victoria University last week, to speak to council officers, councillors, and community organisations about the future of the precinct.
It was his second time visiting since the 1980s when the precinct was just getting off the ground. “Wyndham has come a long way since my last visit,” he said.
Prof Blakely is chair of urban and regional planning and director of the planning research centre at the University of Sydney.
He cited Wyndham’s green wedge, water treatment plant and proximity to the city as great assets.
Committee for Werribee executive director Vince Keogh said the forum was a chance to get creative juices flowing.
“The presentation was our way of regenerating interest in the precinct,” he said.
“Now we are just waiting on a report from the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (IIRD) to see where to go to now.”
The report, detailing design and strategic development plans for the precinct which is owned by the State Government, was expected to be finalised in August 2005.
Former Wyndham mayor and long-time supporter John Gibbons said there had been many reports and papers given to the government over the years but something needed to be done to “push things along a bit”.
“Progress of the precinct since it was formed has really been nothing short of amazing. There’s been lots of capital investment and the science research and education facilities have come along nicely,” he said.
“But the bottom line is, where are we now?”
“If someone came to Werribee today wanting to start up their business, I couldn’t even tell you who they would need to go to,” he said.
Mr Gibbons said those involved in the early development of the precinct had high hopes of making it the biotechnology centre of Australia and attracting big investments.
"It’s a shame that enthusiasm has dropped off a bit," he said.
The precinct is home to many research and educational institutions including Food Science Australia, Melbourne University Veterinary School and State Chemistry Laboratories.
