Boom has downside says logistics expert
Wed, Feb 28 2007

Reports today that Melbourne’s population is booming and that the fastest growth is in the outer west is no surprise according to Dr Pieter Nagel, Director of the Institute for Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ILSCM) at Victoria University, however he says why celebrate population growth if people have no prospects of jobs close to home.

He said: “Last week we released our landmark Position Statement that showed this growth. The report outlined the problems that the outer west would face in the future and offers possible solutions.”

Dr Nagel said: “Current projections indicate the outer west will have more than 25 per cent of metropolitan Melbourne’s population growth over the next 25 years. However, the current industry structure of Melbourne’s western region is unlikely to provide employment growth that is in line with the predicted population growth.”

“Our research showed that making Melbourne’s west a ‘National Logistics City’ could generate an economic contribution in excess of $2 billion per year and perform a critical role within the Australian national economy.”

“Proactive business and job development through logistics plus the associated investment in education and training are required within five to eight years – if this does not occur, the opportunity for logistics to make a difference to the western region will most likely be lost.”

“Jobs growth in the area will improve people’s economic and social opportunities”.

“It is projected that the western region will have limited capacity to cope with future movements of people and goods if transport infrastructure develops according to the completion of approved and funded projects and the current pattern of work activity remains unchanged.”

The research was undertaken in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including: Maribyrnong City Council, Melton Shire Council, Wyndham City Council, Hobsons Bay City Council, Brimbank City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, the Western Transport Alliance and the Committee for Werribee.

In addition, 1200 western Melbourne business and 200 residents were surveyed, and their views were incorporated into “A Case for a National Logistics City”.

Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: 03-9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255900