Cade Lucas
The long-awaited East Werribee precinct is a step closer to fruition, with the state government releasing a document outlining its vision for the project and how it will grow and develop over time.
On Wednesday, Precincts Minister Colin Brooks launched the East Werribee Opportunity Statement which explains how the 775-hectare greenfield site bordered by the Princes Highway, Duncans Road and Hacketts Road will be transformed into what the government calls “a vibrant urban environment that provides high-quality housing, economic activity and strong employment growth.”
According to the statement, the development of East Werribee will focus on the area’s existing industries of agriculture, manufacturing, energy and tourism and be supported large, diverse and increasingly skilled workforce.
The statement also claims that significant investments in education and health, including the expansion of the emergency department at Werribee Mercy Hospital, will help drive economic growth in the precinct.
The pending opening of both the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel is predicted by the government to increase capacity on the Werribee and Williamstown lines during peak periods and slash travel times between East Werribee and the Port of Melbourne.
The removal of a further three level crossings in Wyndham and the completion of missing links along the Federation and Kororoit Creek trails is anticipated to improve cycling connections to East Werribee, while the size and location of the precinct will help it capitalise on the development of nearby government-owned land.
“We’re bringing the East Werribee Precinct to life, transforming it into a centre for employment and investment, surrounded by high-quality and sustainable housing and improved transport connections” declared Mr Brooks.
Werribee MP and state treasurer Tim Pallas, was equally optimistic about the future of the precinct.
“The East Werribee Opportunity Statement will transform the precinct and help unlock new business, employment and residential opportunities in one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas.”
More than $100 million was allocated to projects within the East Werribee precinct in last week’s state budget, including $82 million to finish construction of the Wyndham Law Courts and $20 million for roads and other infrastructure in the area.
The East Werribee Opportunity Statement is the latest in a number of plans for the site dating back to 2013.
In 2013, the state’s planning authority completed a precinct structure plan, which was used to determine how the area would developed, and what type of developments would be included.
In 2015, the government backed Australian Education City’s proposal for a $31 billion project in East Werribee which would include the expansion of existing health and education precincts and a major town centre.
However the process was concluded in 2019 when the government announced it had decided to terminate the expression of interest process for the sale.
