Statement from Mayor Cr Paula Piccinini
One of the most devastating impacts of the North East Link project is the proposed loss of the Bulleen Industrial Precinct. Some of these businesses have been serving our local community for over 40 years and at least 1,200 people stand to lose their jobs as a consequence.
Manningham Council call on the Andrews Government to ensure impacted businesses and employees in the Bulleen Industrial Precinct are treated respectfully and fairly. The process of any land acquisition and compensation must be conducted in a timely fashion, to give people the certainty they need now so they can plan for the future.
Council is particularly concerned about the social impact on employees of these businesses. A large number of employees in this precinct are in a vulnerable position when it comes to reemployment opportunities and have experienced extended periods of unemployment in the past.
The impact of the Bulleen Industrial Precinct closure could be just as devastating as the closure of Ford’s manufacturing operations. At least 1,200 Victorians are set to lose their jobs and Manningham Council is calling on the Andrews Government to provide compensation for all impacted employees.
Fair compensation must include a tailored transition package that is designed with affected workers to ensure their needs are met. We call on the Andrews Government to provide affected workers with compensation, reskilling and other elements as appropriate. Our primary concern is to ensure that any disadvantage caused by this project is minimised.
Once the North East Link project has been completed, we want to see the Bulleen Industrial Precinct reinstated as an employment precinct. Manningham Council estimates the local economy could lose up to $312 million annually if businesses are unable to relocate within our region.
Manningham Council is working closely with the North East Link Project to identify potential alternate sites for the Bulleen Industrial Precinct. We call on the Victorian Minister for Planning to intervene should any planning changes be required to aid this effort.
To find out more about what Manningham Council is doing around the North East Link project visit: manningham.vic.gov.au/NEL.
