Public engagement reveals workers’ wish list for La Trobe NEC

Workers in Melbourne’s north-east would like upgraded public transport, greater open space and more connections with La Trobe University, a new report reveals.

The report summarised community feedback on the Victorian Planning Authority’s (VPA) key ideas for enhancing amenity 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 NEC has great potential for attracting and creating new jobs, which will enhance the area’s overall liveability and improve residents’ wellbeing.

The Victorian Government, together with Banyule and Darebin City councils, intends to promote jobs growth in the La Trobe NEC through rezoning and infrastructure investment.

Throughout six weeks in June and July, the VPA invited workers and business owners in the north-east to provide feedback on the VPA’s key ideas for making the Cluster a more attractive place to live and work. Overall, 18 people attended the VPA’s business focus group and 27 completed an online survey about the key ideas for boosting amenity.

Participants said the Cluster would benefit from a light rail service connecting major employment precincts, and that tackling congestion along Waterdale Road should be a priority.

They also said NBN access needed to be improved and that it was important to promote alternative, sustainable housing models.

The VPA will use this feedback to inform a draft Framework Plan for the area, due to be released in early 2017.  To download the full engagement report, click here.

Alternatively, download the engagement report summary here.

Quotes attributable to VPA chief executive, Peter Seamer:

 “The La Trobe National Employment Cluster has plenty of innovative institutions that draw businesses, people and ideas to the area – from the cutting-edge research and care provided at Austin Health to the exciting masterplan at La Trobe University.”

“The VPA believes with some key changes and improvements, this area could become a beacon for industry, innovation and businesses in the north-east.”