East points to a better west

27 May 2011

Dubbed as the nation’s fastest growing region, the time is now to do suburbia better in the west, according to leading KPMG demographer Bernard Salt.

Recently speaking at GHD’s Executive Forum, aptly titled “How the west was won”, Bernard believes that as the city’s growth re-orientates from the east to west, it is time to start thinking bigger picture about the challenges facing Melbourne’s west.

“What we deliver in the west in the next 10 to 15 years needs to be better than what we delivered in the east last century. The growth the west is experiencing is no flash in the pan - development in the last 10 years has gone from strength to strength, propelling it from the shadows of the east.”

So why has Melbourne’s focus now shifted from the east to west? Explaining the directional change Bernard said, “The west delivers lifestyle and affordability on a grand scale. Wyndham Vale, the furthest western suburb is only 30km from the city… the west can deliver suburbia at its best in Melbourne.”

“The challenge now is the need to build sustainable and resilient communities that are socially cohesive, allowing residents to work, play and live there. A solid investment in infrastructure and service-based professionals is the key to future success.”

Bernard was joined by a panel of industry leaders including Department of Transport, Ray Kinnear and Committee for Geelong Executive Director, Peter Dorling.

Concerning the role social infrastructure will play in creating a better west, the panellists explored the challenges associated with designing communities in which fast food, gambling and alcohol consumption are not the primary attraction.

The discussions revealed that it is time for government and industries to align themselves with local communities to address the challenges facing the nation’s most burgeoning region, ensuring it delivers a better suburbia.

GHD’s Executive Forums aim to lead debate on industry challenges across the sectors of water, energy & resources, environment, property and buildings and transportation.