By Alesha Capone
More than 21,500 workers across Melbourne’s west have lost their jobs since March, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
ABS data released last week showed that the unemployment rate in the west is now at 9.3 per cent.
In north-western suburbs, unemployment stands at 9.6 per cent, with 22,600 workers losing their job since March.
In south-east of Melbourne, 29,700 job losses have resulted in an 8.3 per cent unemployment rate.
The state opposition’s treasurer spokeswoman, Louise Staley, said pandemic lockdown restrictions had contributed to the loss of 162,552 jobs across Melbourne since March.
Star Weekly reported last month that businesses located in the 3029 and 3030 postcodes have applied for the most JobKeeper payments in the state, outside of Melbourne.
Figures from the Department of Treasury show that 3681 businesses in the 3029 area – which covers Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina – have applied for the federal government’s JobKeeper program.
Within the 3030 postcode – which includes Werribee, Werribee South, Point Cook, Quandong and Derrimut – 3272 businesses have applied for JobKeeper.
The 3000 postcode (Melbourne) placed first on the list with 6693 applications.
The JobKeeper scheme is a temporary subsidy for businesses significantly affected by the coronavirus, providing $1500 per eligible employee, every fortnight.
In Wyndham, the council has also put together a $5 million WynLocal Business Recovery and Growth Program in response to coronavirus restrictions.
This included $1.5 million in grants for eligible local businesses, to help them adapt and grow when emerging from the COVID-19 shutdown. Applications for the grants closed on June 9.
Wyndham’s future focused economy portfolio holder, Cr Walter Villagonzalo, said supporting the resurgence of the local economy was a strong priority for council.
“This strategic approach will ensure successful applicants will be given a great opportunity to implement initiatives that focus on recovery and longer-term growth as we transition to a post COVID-19 economy,” Cr Villagonzalo said.
