A thriving business enclave, Moonee Valley has the highest number of businesses in the Western Melbourne region with at least 10,600 businesses employing about 34,500 people. As part of one of the fastest growing regions in Melbourne, Moonee Valley is ideally placed to become what North Sydney is to Sydney. It has a vibrant and thriving community with enormous potential for development, all just a stone’s throw from Melbourne’s CBD, and providing key connections to the Melbourne Airport.
Moonee Valley has set itself a clear strategic direction with a strong emphasis on creating long term sustainability for the people and businesses of the north west of Melbourne. This is critical, with more than 420,000 new residents expected in this region over the next 25 years, requiring an additional 180,000 jobs.
Over the past 18 months, a range of development has taken place across the City. The Mirvac/Coles retail and commercial development will change the face of the Moonee Ponds Principal Activity Centre, creating a vibrant regional economic focal point that will be an ideal base for educational institutions, private and public sector offices and entertainment. Moonee Ponds has been identified as a priority centre by the Victorian Minister for Planning, an ideal location for State and Federal regional offices to establish to serve the rapidly growing north west metropolitan area.
In the City’s south, in Ascot Vale, Council has been working hand in hand with Urbex to redevelop the 16.5 hectare former Orica industrial site into a new residential precinct featuring up to 420 new dwellings on the banks of the beautiful Maribyrnong River.
In the City’s north, Moonee Valley has worked closely with VicUrban on developing the Valley Lakes estate, launched last year and expected to provide to up to 700 new dwellings by 2012.
The redevelopment of Essendon Airport is another key project that will revitalise this area of the city, creating a business and retail hub bigger than the Docklands.
This year Council worked to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Essendon Fields relating to the commercial development at Essendon Airport.
Community Cabinet
In April, Moonee Valley City Council hosted the State Government Community Cabinet which provided Council with the opportunity to highlight key economic initiatives and advocate for increased funding and support for Maribyrnong Valley projects. Issues raised by Council included the Milleara Family Wellness Centre, Maribyrnong River Linear Park, East Keilor Leisure Centre and Economic Development initiatives.
The State Government also invited select community groups and leaders to discuss issues and share hopes and aspirations for Moonee Valley.
Strategic planning
Draft structure plans for the Airport West, Keilor Road and North Essendon Activity Centres were progressed during the year, as part of the Victorian Government’s Melbourne 2030 strategy. The draft Moonee Ponds Activity Centre Structure Plan was further reviewed and additional built form assessment undertaken. In addition, three planning scheme amendments were finalised.
