Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers visited Werribee last week, his first trip to Wyndham since assuming office last year.
Dr Chalmers was invited to Wyndham by mayor Susan McIntyre and was briefed by council on issues affecting the municipality, with a particular focus on infrastructure.
“The briefing included specific discussions about the East Werribee Employment Precinct,
Westlink Stage Two, the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal and the Outer Metropolitan
Ring Road,” said Cr McIntyre.
Dr Chalmers was accompanied by Lalor MP and close friend Joanne Ryan, who
said the treasurer’s background representing the south-west Brisbane seat of Rankin meant he understood the challenges facing communities on the urban fringe.
“I know the Treasurer is deeply in tune with the pressures local people and organisations face because the community he is from is so like ours in Wyndham.”
Following the briefing from council, Dr Chalmers met with local business figures including Committee for Wyndham CEO Barabara McLure,
who said employment, particularly the location of jobs rather than just the amount, was an issue that was discussed.
“We need jobs in Wyndham for local residents to keep people close to where they live,” said Ms McLure who added that the most significant part of the treasurer’s visit was that it happened at all.
“We are in Wyndham and it is sometimes difficult to get people down here.
Any politician that we can get down is important.”
