Old factories and industrial sites in Hobsons Bay should be revitalised and turned into hubs for advanced manufacturing, clean energy and mixed use employment.
That’s the view of the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), an independent, not-for-profit organisation that includes local councils, institutions and other stakeholders, which has outlined its vision for the region in a report.
Released last week to coincide with WoMEDA’s West of Melbourne Summit on 22-23 October, the report, Western Growth: Unlocking Melbourne’s Economic Engine, advocates for Hobsons Bay to play a bigger role in the region’s future, particularly in the development of new industries.
Rather than being symbols of the past , the report argues that old industrial sites such as the former Toyota car assembly plant and the Exxon Mobile and Qenos refineries in Altona, could serve as launching pads for industries of the future.
“Vacant sites present an opportunity for ambitious industrial and commercial revitalisation,” the report said, highlighting the Toyota Centre of Excellence being built where the car manufacturer’s old assembly plant once stood and an intermodal freight and logistics hub planned for the Qenos site, as examples.
“Their transformation could serve as a catalyst for broader renewal across the West of Melbourne industrial zone.”
A spokesperson said the state government was working with Hobson’s Bay council and other agencies to unlock more land for development.
Hobsons Bay council was contacted for comment.
Maribyrnong was also mentioned in the report, with the new Footscray Hospital, the development of Whitten Oval the proposed Creative West cultural centre predicted to attract further investment.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said council was proud to contribute to WoMEDA and had also used its membership or the organisation to advocate for improved public transport too.
“Council has called for a dedicated interchange in Footscray CBD to connect buses, trams and trains, enhance connectivity, support sustainable growth and improve the commuter experience,” Cr Tiwari said.
“We are also developing a new Integrated transport strategy and have recently provided feedback to the state government’s train and tram zone activity centre program to highlight the needs of our community.”
