Locals share their ideas for boosting amenity in the south-east

South-east workers would like their area to have improved transport networks, more hotels and better walking paths, new research reveals.

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) has released the findings of its six-week consultation with business owners and workers from the Monash National Employment Cluster.

The Cluster is home to 85,000 jobs, centred on Monash University, the Monash Medical Centre and the Australian Synchrotron. It also takes in parts of Huntingdale, Mount Waverley, Notting Hill, Mulgrave, Clayton, Clayton South and Springvale.

From 12 April – 31 May, 53 people completed a survey about the VPA’s key ideas for boosting amenity in the Cluster, and 40 people attended the VPA’s focus groups.

Findings revealed over 90% of people agreed with the VPA’s vision for enhancing the Cluster.

When asked to nominate the most important idea for improving the Cluster, nearly 40% of people nominated “improving local access and transport networks”.

Many attendees spoke about the need to tackle worsening vehicle congestion in the area through increased public transport, bike paths and walking paths.

There was also strong support for the provision of more hotels, convention facilities and retail spaces in the area – to enhance the Cluster’s lifestyle benefits and prosperity.

The VPA will now use this feedback to inform a Draft Framework Plan to guide future land use, development and infrastructure in the area.

The VPA can achieve these outcomes by rezoning land, making recommendations to the State Government and working hand-in-hand with local councils.

To download a copy of the report summarising community feedback, click here.

Quote attributable to VPA CEO, Peter Seamer:

“Most Victorians don’t realise the Monash National Employment Cluster is so successful – with several world-class research institutions and the highest concentration of jobs outside the CBD.”

“But this initial feedback has confirmed that we have more work to do to create a modern, 21^st century place for business.

“We will now explore options to improve local amenity, including enabling different uses such as hotels, improving  local bus services, increasing the role of the Clayton Road activity centre and creating new cycle paths and green spaces in the area.”