Victorian Election 2022: Melbourne’s west spells out key election priorities
Better public transport, a new wetlands centre, an arts precinct and more bike paths are among the key priorities for Melbourne’s west.
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A leading advocacy group representing more than 840,000 residents across Melbourne’s western suburbs has laid bare their key priorities a month out from the Victorian state election.
Comprising of the Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham municipalities, the LeadWest alliance on Monday announced the projects they say require the attention of the next government.
“Melbourne’s future lies in the West and we are seeking state and federal government support, cooperation and funding to strengthen our local economies so our communities can continue to thrive,” LeadWest chairman and Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said.
The western suburbs are home to one of Australia’s fastest growing populations and are expected to exceed 1.5 million residents by 2051.
Almost 20 per cent of Melbourne’s population live in the western suburbs but the area has been chronically neglected by successive governments, according to Mr Maynard.
“We aim to change that,” he said.
“Now is the time for state and federal governments to invest in the west, to cater for the current population and for future growth.
“When you add that population growth together, these projects are fundamental to the way the cities will function and provide benefits to the community.”
Mr Maynard said LeadWest’s six key initiatives would underpin a “transformation” of Melbourne’s west, improving industry and quality of life for residents.
“It will have a huge impact, apart from the economic flow on, it will bring jobs, jobs and more jobs,” he said.
“It’s a win win for all the councils. It shows we’re united behind each other and advocating for the western region.”
A regional mental health program
LeadWest has called on the state government to commit $200,000 alongside co-contributions from each council to design a regional mental health program.
The Alliance says youth mental health in Melbourne’s western suburbs is “in crisis” and many young people are missing out on the help they need.
The funding would be used to design a program that is tailored to local needs, working alongside service providers, health professionals and affected young adults.
Active and public transport networks
LeadWest is calling on the next state government to implement a “whole-of-region” public transport network, including interconnected cycling, walking and bus routes.
The Alliance believes the western suburbs suffer from a lack of investment in public transport, leaving many residents with little option but to use cars.
“In some communities more than 70 per cent of the population commute by car to work,” the group says.
“At a time when cost of living is high and there is a need for immediate action … this is the right time to promote a regional, interconnected active and public transport package.”
Funding the Outer Metropolitan Ring
LeadWest is urging the state and federal governments to commit funding for the Outer Metropolitan Ring, including freight and passenger rail and the eight-lane freeway.
The long-proposed 100km transport link was found to have “strong benefits” in easing congestion and improving freight connectivity during an assessment by Infrastructure Victoria.
The Alliance say a funding commitment is “critical and timely” to address at-capacity road networks and take freight off the inner west roads.
The $1.8bn project will deliver fast rail connection between regional centres, growth areas and the Melbourne Airport, and a critical freight rail connection.
“There is no better time to secure this critical transport corridor,” LeadWest says.
Funding the Sunshine Precinct
LeadWest is calling on the state and federal governments to secure $500m funding for the Sunshine Station Masterplan as well as $200m to upgrade Albion station.
The Alliance says the proposal will unlock up to $8bn of privately-funded urban renewal and attract businesses, creative industries and tourists into the west.
“Melbourne’s West has a unique opportunity to break the cycle of intergenerational unemployment and disadvantage by maximising the benefits that the Melbourne Airport Rail will provide for the local community,” the group says.
Funding a wetlands centre in Hobsons Bay
LeadWest is looking to secure a joint investment of $11m from the state and federal governments to build a wellbeing and eco-tourism centre near the Cheetham Wetlands.
Hobsons Bay council has already committed $5m towards the project which the alliance believes will be a “premier destination and unique learning experience”.
The plans include an environmental research facility, viewing tower, walking trails and play spaces.
Performing arts and cultural hub in Footscray
LeadWest is advocating for a $3m funding commitment to produce a business case and designs for a preforming arts and cultural hub in Footscray.
The proposed development will include a large-scale flexible performance and events venue with up to 800 seats, a library and civic open space, integrated spaces for arts and community groups and gatherings.
The Alliance believes Melbourne’s western suburbs have been impacted by an “inequality” of arts and cultural facilities, insufficient for the emerging creative arts sector in the region.
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