While Brisbane captures headlines as Australia’s fastest-growing city, another remarkable story of urban expansion is unfolding in Melbourne’s west. According to the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), this region is set to nearly double its population to 1.8 million by 2050, surpassing Adelaide and approaching the current size of Brisbane.
The anticipated growth in Melbourne’s west is a significant yet underreported phenomenon. The Age, in partnership with WoMEDA, recently hosted a summit to spotlight this burgeoning region’s strengths and challenges, as part of their “Go West” series.
Transforming Sunshine into a Second CBD
One of the summit’s focal points was the potential transformation of Sunshine into Melbourne’s second central business district (CBD). Advocates argue that developing Sunshine into a bustling economic precinct, centered around a proposed “superhub” railway station, could significantly reduce commute times for residents of the City of Wyndham, which currently average nearly an hour.
“Sunshine could become ‘Melbourne’s Parramatta,’ generating significant benefits throughout the city’s west,” said WoMEDA chair Professor Peter Dawkins.
Journalists Sophie Aubrey and Patrick Hatch from The Age explored this transformative idea in depth, urging readers from across Victoria to consider the implications of such a development.
Economic Opportunities and Challenges
Beyond the Sunshine project, discussions at the summit also touched on economic opportunities that have been overlooked in parts of the west. Adam Carey’s reporting highlighted these missed opportunities, while the potential prioritization of the western portion of the Suburban Rail Loop was raised by Professor Dawkins and former premier Steve Bracks in an opinion piece for The Age.
WoMEDA’s western growth strategy paper outlines measures to attract investment, enhance economic activity, and improve liveability in the region. The summit’s attendees, including top thinkers from business, education, and the public sector, expressed optimism that these discussions could catalyze genuine progress.
Political Engagement and Future Prospects
Political engagement at the summit was robust, with Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil criticizing NIMBY councils for disproportionately burdening the west with the city’s growth. Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader Brad Battin also addressed the audience, with Allan promoting her government’s investment in the Sunshine rail “superhub” and Battin pledging to appoint a productivity commissioner if elected.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, alongside other government ministers and MPs, participated actively in the discussions, absorbing insights from the event held at The Refectory at Werribee Mansion. The Age’s commitment to the “Go West” project was evident, with contributions from a dedicated team of journalists and editors.
Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead
While the series has constructively highlighted the west’s potential, it has not shied away from addressing significant challenges. For instance, thefts in the City of Wyndham rose by over 40% last year, and some areas in the west suffer from limited access to services and inadequate transport infrastructure. A report on potential pollution from the West Gate Tunnel air stacks sparked governmental controversy, underscoring the importance of such discussions.
As Melbourne’s west continues its rapid growth trajectory, the region’s future will depend on strategic planning and investment. The insights and momentum generated by the recent summit could play a crucial role in shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for this dynamic area.
