BY XAVIER SMERDON
THE biggest residential and business development on government land since the Docklands will be established in Werribee.
With buildings up to 20 stories tall, a town centre, learning, commercial and enterprise and interchange precincts, it is hoped the East Werribee Employment Precinct will bring 50,000 jobs to Wyndham.
About 7000 new homes will also be created as a result of the development, but the State Government said that an interchange on Sneydes Rd would help reduce traffic congestion and cater for the new residents.
The 770 hectare site, which covers the old State Research Farm, will have a main town centre overlooking a large new lake that will be supported by three other smaller town centres.
While Planning Minister Matthew Guy said businesses would not be given cash incentives to develop in the area, rather they will be given “zoning incentives”, Mr Baillieu said the location of the precinct itself would act as a drawcard for businesses.
“There will certainly be a big incentive to be here because this is an opportunity to get employment and jobs growth in the same area,” Mr Baillieu said.
“I imagine there will be a range of businesses and the key to getting these things right is to have the employment opportunities here.
“The key is to bring jobs to the West and not to invite people simply to drive to the city to find jobs.”
The approval of a Precinct Structure Plan that will lead to the development of a new community at Point Cook West was also announced last week.
It will see 2000 new homes and another 5000 residents move into the area.
Mr Baillieu said that the land sales from both areas would fund the vital infrastructure needed to accommodate current residents and future ones.
