- Minister for Priority Precincts
The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victoria University investigate options for its Werribee campus – to help people who live in the western suburbs also study and work in the west.
Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings today confirmed that the Labor Government had signed an agreement that invests $250,000 with Victoria University for work that includes assessing opportunities for VU’s existing campus in the East Werribee Employment Precinct.
Strategically located in the important economic corridor between Melbourne and Geelong, Werribee is a Victorian growth hot spot.
The area is one of seven Victorian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Employment and Innovation Clusters identified in Plan Melbourne – the Government’s strategy for sustainable development for the next 30 years – and which form part of the Priority Precincts portfolio.
The Government and Victoria University have a long and successful history of collaboration in Melbourne’s west, improving opportunities and support for local people. These initiatives include the Sunshine Skill and Development Hub, Wyndham Tech School and the Footscray Health and Education Precinct.
Melbourne’s burgeoning western suburbs are among the fastest growing areas in the country, with the population expected to triple by 2050.
To cater for this growth, the west will be a key beneficiary of major state infrastructure developments, including the Melbourne Airport Rail Link due to begin construction in 2022 and longer-term proposals led by Geelong Fast Rail and the Suburban Rail Loop.
The capacity and expertise of Victoria University in areas such as construction, logistics, education and technical services will be vital in helping to build local industry.
The Priority Precincts portfolio has identified key areas of Melbourne which allow opportunities to support housing and job growth, while maintaining distinctiveness, liveability and sustainability.
As stated by Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings
“We are excited to join with Victoria University to explore options for their Werribee campus.”
“The East Werribee Employment Precinct is an important part of the plan to develop Werribee as a modern technology hub for Victoria, and Victoria University is an ideal partner in boosting local industry in the region.”
As stated by Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Peter Dawkins
“Victoria University is collaborating with the Government and local industry to create a precinct that grows local skills and creates local jobs.”
“Building on work already begun, it will position Werribee as a national employment and innovation centre in strategic industries such as construction, transport and logistics, as well as health and community services.”
