Andrews Government axes plan for ‘super city’ in East Werribee

The State Government has withdrawn support for a $30 billion plan for a hi-tech super city creating up to 100,000 jobs in the western suburbs.

An artist’s impressions of Australian Education City. Picture: Supplied

A $30 billion plan for a hi-tech super city creating up to 100,000 jobs in the western suburbs has fallen over.

The Herald Sun can reveal that the Andrews Government has withdrawn support for the Australian Education City proposal for a 400 ha state-owned site in East Werribee.

AEC consortium had been preferred bidder for the site, which was to feature university campuses, schools, a high-rise town centre and underground train stations linking to the Werribee line.

An artist’s impressions of Australian Education City. Picture: Supplied

An artist’s impressions of Australian Education City. Picture: Supplied

AEC is led by Chinese Australian businessman Bill Zheng, who also chairs Investors Direct Financial Group, and the CEO of the project is former Docklands authority boss John Tabart.

It is understood the government has rejected the proposal, and is planning a multimillion-dollar “settlement” for a string of financial backers.

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The AEC’s website lists partners including IBM, Cisco, Honeywell, PwC, Jacobs and Urbis.

Asked to confirm the decision, a state government spokesman said: “The government will provide an update on this project proposal in due course.”

AEC did not return calls.

In March, consortium adviser Haydn Wright was reported as saying the participation of Chinese and other investors in the project was essential.

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