Melton is in the midst of an employment boom, new census data has revealed.
Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that the Melton Local Government Area (LGA) had a 52 per cent job growth rate from 2011 to 2016.
The data shows that job creation is outstripping the number of properties being built in the area. Some 8390 jobs were created in the period, compared with a 7968 increase in private dwellings.
Industries experiencing the strongest growth included construction (1002 jobs), education and training (996 jobs) and health care and social assistance (994 jobs).
Western Victoria Labor MP Jaala Pulford said the jobs growth allows locals in the region to work closer to where they want to live.
“Melton is in the midst of a jobs boom and the data proves it,” Ms Pulford said.
“It means locals are spending less time on the roads commuting to and from work and more times doing the things they enjoy.”
Ms Pulford said the state government’s Plan Melbourne strategy ensured new communities are built with infrastructure, services, and employment options for locals.
She said the strategy aimed to make the “20 Minute Neighbourhoods” a reality for every Melburnian, where everyday needs are met with a 20-minute walk, cycle or public transport trip from home. The ABS data also reveals there were almost 300,000 jobs created in greater Melbourne – and more than three quarters were outside the central city.
Ms Pulford said new communities are being built in Melbourne’s west with services and infrastructure, citing Mt Atkinson near Caroline Springs as an example.
“The 1500-hectare precinct, south west of Caroline Springs, will feature more than 8000 dwellings and will become home to more than 22,000 people over the next 15 years,” Ms Pulford said.
