Footscray’s transformation into a hub for business, innovation and creativity is advancing with the release of an Andrews Labor Government paper setting out a vision for the precinct as the gateway to Melbourne’s west.
Minister for Business Precincts Martin Pakula today released the Footscray Opportunity and Directions Paper which identifies opportunities in the precinct, including for investment and partnerships to grow jobs.
The Paper was developed after extensive consultation with stakeholders including the Maribyrnong City Council, Western Health, Victoria University, the Footscray Traders Association and the Footscray Asian Business Association.
The Labor Government has made unprecedented investments in the region in recent years, including $1.5 billion for the new Footscray Hospital, more than $120 million for the Footscray Learning Precinct including the Footscray High School Kinnear Campus and Footscray City Primary School, $36.6 million to redevelop Whitten Oval and key transport connectivity projects as part of Victoria’s Big Build.
Footscray is predicted to more than double its population and add more than 10,000 new jobs by 2050. Between 2006 and 2016, Footscray’s population grew by 40 per cent.
Due to its rapid growth, Footscray is steadily shifting to new small-scale manufacturing and becoming a health and education powerhouse with major players like Western Health and Victoria University driving jobs, investment and social connections in the precinct.
These investments will help Footscray become a prosperous economic hub, building on its rich industrial history, cultural diversity and location as the gateway to Melbourne’s west. The Footscray Opportunity and Directions Paper is available at djpr.vic.gov.au/significant-projects.
As stated by Minister for Business Precincts Martin Pakula
“From a manufacturing heartland to a centre for health, education and other growth sectors, the game is changing quickly in Footscray.”
“We’re planning for the future because it means more local jobs for the growing population of Melbourne’s west.”
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“We’re supporting Footscray and its people by investing in health, schools and job-creating infrastructure, driving the local economy and making our community stronger.”
As stated by City of Maribyrnong Mayor Cr Anthony Tran
“It is great to see this level of interest and investment in Footscray, which is undergoing rapid change with many new developments including a new hospital and learning precinct under construction.”
