Sunshine workers and residents offer ideas for change

Sunshine workers and residents would like their area to have more businesses, offices and quality restaurants, a new report reveals.

The report, released by the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), is based on public consultation with the Sunshine community from June 16 – July 26.

Over this period, more than 60 people completed an online survey, 26 people attended focus groups and 40 people attended a business seminar.

The consultation invited participants to provide feedback on the VPA’s key ideas for enhancing the Sunshine National Employment Cluster (NEC) and boosting jobs.

More than 90% of people agreed with the VPA’s vision for the area.

The Sunshine NEC takes in Sunshine and St Albans city centres as well as the Sunshine public hospital. It is described in Plan Melbourne, the city’s long-term planning blueprint, as an “emerging” jobs cluster that will one day be an economic powerhouse of national significance.

As well as commenting on the VPA’s ideas for spurring jobs growth, residents were offered the opportunity to put forth their own ideas.

Some of the suggestions put forth included providing short stay accommodation services for visitors to the hospital; and attracting a major sports team to the area.

The VPA will now use this feedback to develop a framework plan for the Sunshine NEC, in close collaboration with Brimbank City Council.

The framework plan will be a high-level strategy document that outlines a vision for the Cluster and identifies key infrastructure projects required for growth.

It will guide a whole-of-government investment in the cluster, as well as providing information to developers about areas identified for change.

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Quotes attributable to VPA chief executive, Peter Seamer:

“These ideas put forward by Sunshine businesses, workers and residents will help the VPA form a framework plan that will spur growth in the area.”

 “We want Sunshine to become a nationally significant jobs hub, so people across Melbourne’s booming west can work closer to where they live.”