Council is reimagining our industrial precincts and seeking feedback on our vision for key industrial precincts as we move towards a more sustainable and resilient economy.
Globalisation, technological advancements and climate change, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, have significantly transformed Melbourne’s economy.
Hobsons Bay has an opportunity to take advantage of this shift towards a more ‘knowledge-based’ economy and attract industry sectors that employ specialist skills and innovation.
Existing and emerging industries and community members are invited to comment on the ‘Reimagining our Industrial Areas – A Statement of Opportunity’ document that highlights why Hobsons Bay is the location of choice for new and emerging industries in Melbourne’s West.
Four objectives are proposed to guide change in Hobsons Bay’s industrial areas:
- increase local jobs and diversify our industry sectors
- become an environmental leader
- balance job growth with community impacts
- continue to be a major economic force in the Victorian economy
Through research and preliminary discussions with industries, the project has identified four industry sectors that could play a key role in our future economy:
- advanced manufacturing
- new energy
- digital industries
- recycling and repurposing
As part of the consultation process, Council will meet with existing industry representatives and potential new businesses to seek input.
Two online drop-in sessions will also be held on Tuesday 26 October, 6pm to 7pm and Saturday 6 November, 11am to 12pm. Project staff will be available to answer questions from the community, existing and emerging industries.
Due to the current state government COVID-19 restrictions, the session will be held online using Zoom. Participants will receive the zoom link after registering.
Feedback gathered will be used to update and finalise the Statement of Opportunity document and will inform the review of the Council’s Industrial Land Management Strategy and Economic Development Strategy.
Learn more and have your say at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/reimagining
Feedback closes on Sunday 14 November.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Jonathon Marsden:
“Hobsons Bay’s local economy is transforming and we have an opportunity to take the driver’s seat and reimagine how our industrial precincts can meet the needs of our city and community, as well as how we balance job growth with community impacts.
“One third of Hobsons Bay is industrial land, the majority of which has been declared as ‘state significant’, providing 50 per cent of local jobs. These jobs support our local economy and employ Hobsons Bay residents.
“We can capitalise on our established industrial legacy, strategic location and skilled workforce to be the location of choice in the West and attract new and emerging industries.
“Transforming our economy to be more resilient and diverse means more job opportunities closer to home with a focus on attracting sustainable and greener industries.
“We want to hear from existing industries, future industries and the Hobsons Bay community. Community and industry feedback are critical to helping us shape the future of our key industrial precincts.”
