Melton’s council is calling for a whole-of-government partnership approach to help meet the demand of its rapidly growing community, unveiling its latest advocacy priorities on Friday 30 January.
The priorities were launched by mayor Lara Carli at an event in Fraser Rise, one of Australia’s fastest growing areas, and included a keynote address from Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Dr Jonathan Spear.
With Melton’s population set to double over the next 20 years, the advocacy priorities outline the community’s current and future needs and set out how council can work alongside the state and federal governments to deliver the infrastructure and services council believes are required to support the municipality’s growth.
The priorities are aligned across six key themes in employment and investment attraction, transport, education and skills, health and wellbeing, environment, and financial sustainability. Each theme identifies investment needed to support liveability, create opportunity, attract business and manage the pressures of rapid population growth.
Key priorities include fast-tracking employment precincts in a bid to help generate up to 100,000 jobs by 2050, improving public transport through electrification of the Melton rail line by 2030 and the delivery of three new train stations, as well as major upgrades to key arterial roads across the city.
The plan also calls for stronger business attraction initiatives to support local employment, more schools, expanded TAFE opportunities and the establishment of a university, along with improved access to local health, wellbeing and education services.
Cr Carli said the priorities were heavily shaped by community feedback and reflected what residents want for the future.
Hawke MP Sam Rae said he shares council’s focus.
“I welcome Melton City Council’s strong advocacy on behalf of our community and share its focus on ensuring residents have access to the infrastructure and services they deserve,” he said.
“I will continue working closely with Melton City Council to advocate for funding opportunities that strengthen our community and improve quality of life for families across Hawke.”
Premier Jacinta Allan was contacted for comment.
