Major precinct mooted

By Glen Atwell
A BUSINESS development in Cranbourne West will create 10,000 jobs in its first phase and sprawl across 792 hectares of land.
The project, known as the Cranbourne West Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), will be located to the south of Thompsons Road,(with a small proportion on the north) the east of Western Port Highway, the west of Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston Road and will be north of a proposed Ballarto Road extension.
The development plan also includes a wedge of land to the west of Merinda Park Railway Station.
The PSP will provide the framework and requirements for a major new urban development, together with the infrastructure and services required by the future residential and employment community.
City of Casey manager of strategic development Liam Hodgetts told the News the precinct would become an employment area for the ‘smart and skilled’.
“The precinct is planned to become an employment area that complements, rather than replicates, industrial development in Dandenong South and Hallam,” he said.
“It will provide a mix of lot sizes and high amenity environments with business parks, office parks, industrial and mixed use areas.
“These will accommodate a range of businesses including manufacturing industries, processing, packaging and distribution centres, local service industries, commercial offices, office and warehousing hybrids, professional and business support services,” Mr Hodgetts said.
Providing an employment area of approximately 330 hectares, the precinct will create a recruitment boom in the City of Casey.
Mr Hodgetts said council ex-pected planning to be finalised early next year.
“This will enable developers to lodge planning permit applications with council and seek approvals from servicing authorities,” he said.
“Following these approvals developers may commence works during 2009-10.”
Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon said Cranbourne West would soon become the place to establish a new business.
“This project is a great opportunity for locals looking for convenient and easy access to employment,” he said.
“I am extremely pleased thatlocals will be able to access employment without the need to purchase a car to access employment opportunities.
“The jobs created will be right on our doorstep.”
“Cranbourne now has the potential to be the jobs capital of Victoria,” Cr Beardon said.