“Melbourne’s west has been left behind for too long. We want to unlock investment to provide our residents with transport connectivity, equity in health care, education, access to jobs and improved wellbeing,” says Dr Phillip Zada, Chair LeadWest.
Melton City Councillor Dr Phillip Zada has been appointed the new Chair of LeadWest.
“Given that Melbourne's west is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, we have a critical need for infrastructure investment. We cannot afford to wait. We must build the infrastructure now to support this inevitable growth and ensure the west continues to thrive,” says Dr Zada.
“The upcoming election offers an important opportunity to redress this funding imbalance, and to invest in the West that further benefits Victoria and Australia as a whole.”
Dr Zada’s first priority as Chair of LeadWest is to meet with senior federal party leaders to seek their commitment to invest in supporting infrastructure and services. This investment will ensure the region is well connected, liveable, and sustainable and that residents are provided with jobs opportunities, transport connections and community services.
LeadWest’s federal election advocacy priorities include:
· The development of the ‘Sunshine Precinct’ and the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail.
· Electrification of the Melton line.
· The Western Highway to be upgraded to an urban standard.
· Fixing the Calder Freeway, one of Australia’s most dangerous and congested roads.
· Ensuring the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) and Precinct remains a priority including protecting land at Truganina for when the WIFT is needed.
· Funding for the preparation of a detailed business case and schematic designs for a new performing arts and cultural hub in central Footscray.
· A contribution towards the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre in Hobsons Bay
· Increase shade and provide more green spaces. Melbourne’s west has the greatest urban heat island effect across metropolitan Melbourne.
· Investment to build an environmental wetlands centre in Altona. This will include an eco-tourism centre adjacent to the internationally recognised Ramsar wetland. This will deliver premier learning, visitor and research facilities.
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