The Victorian Government is partnering with Victoria University to help position its Werribee Campus as a national employment and innovation precinct – further transforming the lives of people who live, study and work in the west of Melbourne.
Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings confirmed that the Labor Government had signed an agreement that invests $250,000 with Victoria University for work that includes assessing opportunities for VU’s existing campus in the East Werribee Employment Precinct.
Strategically located in the important economic corridor between Melbourne and Geelong, Werribee is a Victorian growth hot spot.
The area is one of seven Victorian National Employment and Innovation Clusters identified in Plan Melbourne – the Government’s strategy for sustainable development for the next 30 years – which form part of the Priority Precincts portfolio.
Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University, Professor Peter Dawkins, said that the University has a longstanding association with Werribee and the surrounding region as a leading provider of vocational education and training, higher education, and applied research.
“Victoria University is collaborating with the Government and local industry to create a precinct that grows local skills and creates local jobs,” Professor Dawkins said.
“Building on work already begun, it will position Werribee as a national employment and innovation centre in strategic industries such as construction, transport and logistics, as well as health and community services.”
The State Government and Victoria University have a successful history of collaboration in Melbourne’s west. These initiatives include the Sunshine Skill and Development Hub, Wyndham Tech School and the Footscray Health and Education Precinct.
Melbourne’s western suburbs are among the fastest growing areas in the country, with the population expected to triple by 2050.
The capacity and expertise of Victoria University in areas such as construction, logistics, education and technical services will be vital in helping to build local industry.
