Plans to boost jobs in the La Trobe National Employment Cluster

The Victorian Planning Authority (MPA), together with Banyule and Darebin City Councils, has launched its key ideas aimed at significantly boosting business and jobs in the La Trobe National Employment Cluster.

The cluster includes the business and industrial areas around Heidelberg, Bundoora and Preston.

With the highest concentration of jobs in Melbourne’s north-east, the La Trobe Employment Cluster has huge potential to become an even greater magnet for investment, jobs, services, businesses, culture and entertainment.

The Victorian Planning Authority (MPA) – the state government organisation charged with planning for Melbourne’s population growth – is now seeking feedback on its key ideas for boosting jobs in the cluster.

It will consult with business owners until July 15, and all feedback will be used to inform a framework plan, to be released next year.

The cluster has some really important and innovative institutions that draw businesses, people and ideas to the area, whether it be the cutting-edge research and care provided at Austin Health, or the exciting masterplan at La Trobe University, which promises to open up the university to the surrounding community.

The MPA believes with some key changes and improvements this area could become a beacon for industry, innovation and businesses in the northeast.

Key ideas to drive this change include: modernising employment areas, providing a ‘turn-up-go’ bus service for people to get around the cluster, attracting additional allied health services to the precinct and rezoning current industrial land for future mixed-use developments, including a diverse range of housing.

These initial principles aim to revitalise the area and assist it to undergo significant urban renewal, so it is an even better place to work and live.

On Wednesday, June 8, the MPA, along with Austin Health, La Trobe University, Banyule and Darebin City councils, will host a seminar for business people in the area, to seek their feedback on the key ideas.

For more information, and to fill in our online survey on the key ideas, visit www.shapevictoria.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Peter Seamer, CEO, Victorian Planning Authority:

“The MPA recognises that it is vital people in Melbourne’s north-east have a wealth of employment opportunities close to where they live.”

“The MPA wants to hear from employers in this region, as they come to the area every day for work and will no doubt have some terrific ideas about how the cluster can thrive even more.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Craig Langdon, Mayor of Banyule:

“The MPA’s leadership and our shared relationship with key stakeholders means we can continue to shape the cluster’s future from the inside.”

“The collaborative work done so far is a launching pad for guiding jobs growth and economic development to strengthen Melbourne’s north within the La Trobe Cluster and particularly for Banyule, Heidelberg West’s industrial growth near La Trobe University and the thriving Heidelberg medical precinct.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Vince Fontana, Mayor of Darebin:

“Delivering the changes essential to achieve the long-term vision the MPA and Darebin Council have for the Latrobe Cluster relies on strong partnerships between agencies and businesses.

“By working together we will be able to create a vibrant and innovative economy where people choose to live and operate their businesses.

“The transformation of the Northland Urban Renewal Precinct from a largely low-density industrial area into a thriving new community and hub for business will be key in our plans to drive the local economy forward through new businesses and job creation.”