Victorian treasurer Jacyln Symes met with the Wyndham business community recently to address the economic challenges and opportunities for the region.
Speaking at the Committee for Wyndham Treasurer’s Business Luncheon on Wednesday, September 17, Ms Symes delivered a presentation about what the state government’s budget means for the area.
Following the presentation, Ms Symes and Werribee MP John Lister were invited to take part in a question and answer forum.
The treasurer was asked what the government’s plan was to keep people in the west employed and businesses active after major projects that have created jobs and contracts dry up.
Ms Symes said the government’s long term strategy was to smoothly transition public sector employees into the private sector.
“In terms of big, large projects, they will have to be spaced out a little more than saying being able to do the Metro Tunnel, North East Link and West Gate Tunnel all at the same time,” she said.
“Yes, we will be tapering off particularly as West Gate and Metro Tunnels open, and that will take a little bit of heat out of the construction market, which is great for private construction in particular as we have already built up those skills that can transition into an array of projects.
“And I would like to keep the skills here.”
She was then asked what the government is planning to do to address a shortage of private schools in Wyndham and the western suburbs.
“We know a lot of families use independent and private schools, and there is a place for that in state education, so we are always happy to partner with [low-fee] education providers,” Ms Symes answered.
“Christway College in Wyndham Vale has been supported, Melton Christian College which is not too far away, are some that have been supported by investments out here.”
Ms Symes added that as the state government finishes repairs and renovations to existing schools, the focus will shift to building more new schools in Wyndham.
Adding a local perspective, Werribee MP John Lister said things are looking up for Wyndham due to increased federal investment in the region, but his government was also focusing on ensuring bang for taxpayers’ bucks.
“The great thing about Wyndham, and to sort of foreshadow budgets across the next few years, is that demand does not have to be proved in Wyndham,” he said.
“One of [former treasurer and Werribee MP] Tim Pallas’s main bugbears was the fact that we spend billions of dollars on schools and they shut at 4pm.
“We have these spaces that we can activate and get more out of.
“As much as it is about getting more money, it is also about consolidating as well and using what we have to the greatest degree that we can.”
Ms Symes said she believes that due to existing employment precincts in Truganina and the developing East Werribee employment precinct, Wyndham is well positioned to attract businesses.
“I think because of the opportunities here, we would be well placed to attract future, dynamic industries to set up in the region.”
