Maribyrnong City Council Affected Property: Attachment 1: Maribyrnong City Council MAESSAC Submission - Letter from CEO Sept 2020

Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding 15 Standing Advisory Committee

Request to be No, but please email me the timetable heard?: and directions Full Name: Angela Zivkovic Organisation: Maribyrnong City Council Affected property: Attachment 1: Maribyrnong_City_Council_MAESSAC_Submission_-_Letter_from_CEO_Sept_2020. Attachment 2: Submission_Supporting_Documents.zip Attachment 3: Comments: See uploaded submission: - letter from Maribyrnong City Council CEO Stephen Wall and - four supporting documents (zipped).

Submission Cover Sheet

30 September 2020

Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Standing Advisory Committee Planning Panels Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning PO Box 500 East Melbourne VIC 3002

Dear Sir/Madam,

Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Standing Advisory Committee Submission

Overview Maribyrnong City Council (Council) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Standing Advisory Committee (Committee) regarding matters for consideration under the Terms of Reference Part B on the Engage Victoria website.

Council acknowledges and appreciates the economic and employment opportunities presented by matters under consideration by the Committee and the expansion of Melbourne Airport. However, given the significant population growth anticipated in Maribyrnong (68% by 2041), Council is concerned that the planning policies and processes related to airport expansion do not prove to be an impediment to the LGA’s future growth, health, wellbeing and overall liveability.

Population growth has been substantial over the last decade averaging 2.8% p.a. This was the 11th highest of all Victorian LGAs, well above the Greater Melbourne average (2.3%), and the highest experienced amongst inner urban council areas (non-CBD).

The North and West Melbourne City Deal Plan 2020-2040 was launched in August 2020 (see supporting documents). The proposal is a collaborative effort by key northern and western Melbourne stakeholders, including all councils, to arrive at a joint list of priorities before consideration of formal Memorandum of Understanding arrangements with Commonwealth, State and Local Governments to establish the North and West Melbourne City Deal.

One in twelve Australians and one in three Victorians live in this region, which by 2036 will have a population larger than South Australia. It is the region hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, against a backdrop of some of the highest unemployment rates in the state. It has had the least infrastructure funding of all Greater Melbourne regions on a population growth basis. Further, Infrastructure Australia’s analysis of Victorian roads ranks the roads in the region as eight of the top 10 most congested in the state.

Key issues

Poor air quality A March 2020 report, Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West (see supporting documents) commissioned by the Victorian Government and comprised of representatives from the community, local councils and community groups, found a significant deterioration in air quality in the inner west of Melbourne. The report noted that people who live and work in the inner west experience health problems associated with air pollution at a higher rate than the general Australian population.

These include higher rates of hospitalisation for heart failure, asthma and heart disease, and a higher incidence of lung cancer. These problems cannot be fully explained by factors such as socio-economic status, smoking rates, obesity levels and age profiles, and air pollution is likely an important contributory factor. The planned additional north/south runway will have the propensity to not only double the air traffic over Maribyrnong, but also increase the ground level pollution coming from increased airport activity. More detail can be found in the supporting documents: Council’s Air Quality and Aircraft Noise, and the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group’s report Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West.

Increased Noise and Vibration The Melbourne Airport Environs Strategy Plan 2003 (the Strategy), cited a report by the Melbourne Airport Land Use Study Committee:

If the planning controls were extended to 15 Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) contour it would impact on a significant number of properties, increasing from 11,769 to 45,531 dwellings. The expansion would affect three municipalities previously not subject to the Airport Environs Overlay (Whittlesea, Maribyrnong and Macedon Ranges). (page 10)

It was noted that the Commonwealth does provide for noise amelioration programs for the Sydney and Adelaide airports, funded through a levy on aircraft landings, and Maribyrnong City Council recommends that this program also be considered for Melbourne Airport’. (page 17)

Principle 6 of The National Airports Safeguarding Framework states that strategic and statutory planning frameworks should address aircraft noise by applying a comprehensive suite of noise measures. According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) aircraft noise is the most significant cause of adverse community reaction to the operation and growth of airports.

Compensation It is noted in the Strategy ‘That compensation relating to ‘injurious affection’ or loss of development rights not be supported’ (Clause 7.2). ‘The Steering Committee considered the matter of loss of amenity and property values occurring within the airport environs, caused by the operation of the airport’ (page 17). This type of impact is known as ‘injurious affection’ and Council is concerned that in Victoria no compensation is payable for injurious affection. If this strategy proceeds it must take account of compensation claims and how to consider and address them (page 17)

Impacts of Overlay If the overlay is introduced it places an additional cost to the construction of dwellings and their affordability, e.g. double glazing and double plaster in the ceiling. Ultimately it is a cost back to community that Council does not have control over.

45.08-2 26/11/2015 VC107 Buildings and works - Any building for which a permit is required under this overlay must be constructed so as to comply with any noise attenuation measures required by Section 3 of Australian Standard AS 2021-2015, Acoustics - Aircraft Noise Intrusion - Building Siting and Construction, issued by Standards Australia Limited.

Council is concerned about the impacts of the Environs Overlay and related planning provisions on future development particularly in relation to the Defence Site Maribyrnong, and on some of the multi-storey developments planned along Raleigh Road and in Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong. See the Defence Site Maribyrnong Statement of Policy Intent supporting document for more information.

Recommendations for the Committee’s Consideration: • Need to define possible long term future noise and vibration exposure forecasts to allow proper future planning for Local Government to consider through consultation. • Alternatively, consider long term urban growth (e.g. Defence Site Maribyrnong and Northern Maribyrnong) and plan runways and flight paths respecting this growth rather than planning airport runways and then subsequently quarantining land. • Need to involve and protect all stakeholders and reach a balanced plan to deliver airport planning, economic growth and protect residential amenity. The Strategy should deliver this outcome. • Although the West Gate Tunnel and Melbourne Airport Rail Link are aimed at addressing transport/traffic issues in western Melbourne, there is concern about the cumulative transport impact from more traffic and trucks on local roads and that the extra runway could be the tipping point. • Consider typical emissions that may affect the amenity of nearby sensitive land uses: fuel emissions, noise and vibration. • Noise and emissions may change over time, potentially increase by flight frequency or reduce as aircraft design improves. What does this mean for buffer planning? • Ensure that land that has been identified as having greater long-term value to the community is protected, e.g. residential, education, health / sensitive land use, and open space. • Ensure that unacceptable risk is avoided, e.g. adverse events, fuel spills or fires etc., and local waterways and stormwater drains are protected from any ensuing runoff. • Ensure that the Melbourne Airport Per and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Management Framework is strictly adhered to and publicly reported. • Conduct regular monitoring of emissions generated within the airport boundary from aircraft and vehicles, including particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and PM10, Nitrous Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Carbon Monoxide, (CO). Ensure that compliance with State Government standards and reports are publicly available. Monitoring of ultrafine particulates (UFP) must also be considered and reported. • Introduce a program of emissions monitoring (noted above) downwind of the airport boundaries, and ensure that compliance with State Government standards and reports are publicly available. Monitoring of ultrafine particulates (UFP) must also be considered and reported for the protection of residents in affected zones.

Thank you for considering Maribyrnong City Council’s submission recommendations and supporting documents.

Yours faithfully

Stephen Wall Chief Executive Officer

Supporting documents accompanying this submission: • Air Quality and Aircraft Noise (Maribyrnong City Council) • Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West Summary Report – March 2020. (Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group). The full report, Terms of Reference and other information is on https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/inner-west-air- quality-reference-group • Defence Site Maribyrnong Statement of Policy Intent – June 2018. (Victorian Planning Authority and Victorian Government) • North and West Melbourne City Deal Plan 2020-2040 – August 2020. (LeadWest, Northern Councils’ Alliance, Victoria and La Trobe Universities, West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), and NORTH Link)

STATEMENT OF POLICY INTENT JUNE 2018 GOWRIE

SCALE 1:60,000 @ A4 GLENROY 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 km

open space CONTEXT activity centre FAWKNER rail lines & station

tram line OAK PARK This Statement of Policy Intent sets out the Defence The Victorian Minister for Planning has instructed MERLYNSTON Site Maribyrnong (DSM) policy context, defines the the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) to lead the Victorian Government’s high level expectations for planning for DSM in collaboration with Maribyrnong future development and sets out the approach to be City Council, Transport for Victoria (TfV) and other taken to establish a planning framework. State and local government partners and the PASCOE VALE community. DFO Defence Site Maribyrnong is a 127.8 hectare parcel BATMAN of Commonwealth land located at 2 Cordite Avenue, The 2010 Maribyrnong Shared Vision was prepared Maribyrnong, in the City of Maribyrnong. to establish the community’s values and aspirations for DSM and inform more comprehensive planning The Department of Defence (Defence) has and future development. COBURG commenced an open market disposal process to sell STRATHMORE the site on behalf of the Commonwealth. This Statement of Policy Intent reflects current Victorian Government policy based on the 2010 GLENBERVIE DSM represents a major urban renewal opportunity Maribyrnong Shared Vision and subsequent in an established area already undergoing significant communication with the Commonwealth. The growth and transformation. The Victorian Government Victorian Government will provide further guidance MORELAND is committed to seeing DSM integrated as a valuable on the future of DSM as the planning progresses. ESSENDON part of Northern Maribyrnong.

ANSTEY DEFENCE SITE MOONEE PONDS MOONEE MARIBYRNONG PONDS BRUNSWICK

JEWELL ASCOT VALE

I HIGHPOINT B ACTIVITY YR NO ROYAL PARK CENTRE N G SHOWGROUNDS

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R NEWMARKET FLEMINGTON FLEMINGTON BRIDGE RACECOURSE

KENSINGTON MACAULAY CENTRAL WEST PLAZA PARKVILLE NORTH MELBOURNE SOUTH TOTTENHAM FOOTSCRAY KENSINGTON WEST FOOTSCRAY MIDDLE FOOTSCRAY FOOTSCRAY METROPOLITAN ACTIVITY CENTRE WEST © VICTORIAN PLANNING MELBOURNE STATE LIBRARY AUTHORITY 2018 MELBOURNE CENTRAL SEDDON PARLIAMENT This Statement Of Policy Intent FLAGSTAFF has been developed by the VPA on behalf of the Victorian Government TOWN HALL in collaboration with Maribyrnong YARRAVILLE City Council, Transport for Victoria SOUTHERN CROSS FLINDERS (TfV) and other State and local A RIVER STREET ARR government partners. Y

Any projections are based on reasonable assumptions at the time of publication but should not be relied upon without first seeking appropriate expert advice. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is factually correct SPOTSWOOD ANZAC at the time of publication, the VPA does not warrant the accuracy, completeness or relevance of the information. Any person using or relying upon this document does so on the basis that the State of Victoria shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information. PORT PHILLIP BAY

SCALE 1:60,000 @ A4 GLENROY 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 km

open space

activity centre

FAWKNER rail lines & station

tram line OAK PARK MERLYNSTON

DFO PASCOE VALE BATMAN

COBURG STRATHMORE

GLENBERVIE

MORELAND

ESSENDON

ANSTEY DEFENCE SITE MOONEE PONDS MOONEE MARIBYRNONG PONDS BRUNSWICK

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I HIGHPOINT B ACTIVITY YR NO ROYAL PARK CENTRE N G SHOWGROUNDS

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TOWN HALL YARRAVILLE SOUTHERN CROSS FLINDERS RA RIVER STREET YAR

SPOTSWOOD ANZAC

PORT PHILLIP BAY

© Victorian Planning Authority, 2018. The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the State of Victoria shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omission in the information. STATEMENT OF POLICY INTENT DEFENCE SITE MARIBYRNONG 3 OUTCOMES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT The Victorian Government is committed to preparing a planning and transport framework to ensure optimal outcomes are achieved. The critical outcomes for the site include:

Establishment of a new community Remediation that ensures human integrated with adjoining areas health and the environment on and surrounding the site is protected

Housing options at appropriate varied Community, commercial, educational, densities, types and scale to suit the leisure, recreational and retail facilities location, including social and affordable and opportunities for local employment housing

Quality built form, activated public Public access along the entire places, and active and passive Maribyrnong River frontage recreation facilities

Convenient access to public and active Conservation of indigenous and historic transport network heritage including the adaptive reuse of significant heritage buildings and elements

Permeability through and around the Best practice waste, energy and water new community to encourage walking management, including onsite and and cycling downstream flooding

Urban landscaping sympathetic to the Underground servicing with minimal original scale with a variety of native visual intrusion from fixtures and for flora and fauna fire safety

Active and passive surveillance of public places to enhance perceptions of safety and amenity

4 DEFENCE SITE MARIBYRNONG STATEMENT OF POLICY INTENT PLANNING APPROACH

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT PHASES & OUTPUTS The 2010 Maribyrnong Shared Vision was prepared to establish the community’s values and aspirations for PROJECT ESTABLISHMENT STATEMENT OF POLICY INTENT DSM and provides a starting point for further planning of the site. Further engagement processes will be COMPLETED carried out to understand the community’s current aspirations for DSM. The community and interested stakeholders will be given the opportunity to be involved in the preparation PRECINCT OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS of all key planning deliverables. UNDERWAY This will include broad consultation and deliberative engagement on draft planning controls and future social infrastructure provision. VISIONING & INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT PLANNING The Victorian Government will not engage directly FUTURE with participants in the Commonwealth divestment process prior to the identification of a preferred purchaser and establishment of appropriate governance arrangements. Defence may however SPATIAL PLANNING & coordinate input from its open market sale process FUNDING STRATEGIES and provide feedback to the VPA for consideration. FUTURE APPLICATION OF VICTORIAN PLANNING PROVISIONS TO THE GAZETTAL OF PLANNING LAND SCHEME AMENDMENT Victoria’s planning, environment, heritage and FUTURE subdivision legislative requirements and processes will be applied to the land and any proposed development will comply in full with these requirements. Victorian Government planning for the site will require all relevant Victorian legislative requirements to be met.

STATEMENT OF POLICY INTENT DEFENCE SITE MARIBYRNONG 5 SITE REMEDIATION DEVELOPMENT YIELD & MIX The site’s historical use by Defence resulted in The extent of future development at DSM will be contamination to land and groundwater which has determined by the planning framework which will take only partially been remediated. into account the State and local governments’ land use and infrastructure planning policy context, site The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA constraints and opportunities, and the capacity of the Victoria) is supporting VPA in the development of a transport network. site remediation strategy. This strategy will be used to inform the Victorian Government’s expectations of The 2010 Maribyrnong Shared Vision suggested realising optimal land use outcomes and protection of a dwelling yield of up to 3,000 dwellings may be beneficial uses of land, groundwater and air, including supported on the site alongside employment and human health and the environment. education opportunities. The VPA will undertake further detailed studies to examine the site’s Remediation of the site must comply with the residential, commercial and community development Environment Protection Act 1970, including EPA-issued potential. statutory notices that outline requirements to manage environmental harm and land within the site. This may include the preparation of clean up plans that MARIBYRNONG RIVER meet the expectations of the site remediation strategy The Commonwealth has committed to dedicating the and are verified by an independent EPA-accredited Maribyrnong River frontage for public use and this Environmental Auditor (Contaminated Land). will be reflected in the planning framework to ensure The Auditor would be expected to provide a total development is appropriately set back and that open assessment of the site (including land, air quality and space with trails and other public recreational facilities groundwater) following remediation works. This is are provided. to enforce the legislative framework in place for the protection of the environment and human health. INTEGRATED WATER CYCLE ACCESSIBILITY & MOVEMENT MANAGEMENT The VPA will work with Melbourne Water, City West Northern Maribyrnong is physically constrained from a Water and Maribyrnong City Council to prepare the transport access perspective. Additional urban growth planning framework to be cognisant with the principles will put further pressure on the transport network. for integrated water cycle management in accordance The planning and transport framework will take with the Water for Victoria – Water Plan and the City a broader view to understand how the Northern West Urban Water Strategy. Key considerations will Maribyrnong transport network operates and what include how to: measures may be feasible to accommodate further • manage river flooding and on-site drainage growth. Significant development is already occurring • improve water quality and more is planned in the area around DSM. The planning and transport framework will address the • encourage sustainable water reuse wider context and will seek to optimise the capacity by encouraging walking, cycling and public transport use. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION The planning framework will seek to encourage the HERITAGE & CULTURAL VALUES establishment of a low emissions climate resilient With more than 3km of Maribyrnong River frontage built environment consistent with the Victorian DSM is a place of significance to its traditional owners Government’s Climate Change Framework 2017. who will be consulted to ensure their cultural values This will include the establishment of an urban form are appropriately reflected in planning outcomes. that reduces heat island effects and greenhouse gas emissions. There is also extensive historic heritage on the site that is currently on the Commonwealth Heritage List. The site will be nominated to the Victorian Heritage Register and Heritage Victoria will prepare recommendations for registration of elements of the site that are of State heritage significance. Heritage elements of local significance will be identified through consultation with Maribyrnong City Council and included in a Maribyrnong Planning Scheme heritage overlay.

6 DEFENCE SITE MARIBYRNONG STATEMENT OF POLICY INTENT EMPLOYMENT The VPA and its project partners will seek to optimise the employment opportunities on the site. DSM has a rich employment history relating to agricultural, racing, military and research uses. In 1942, there was an estimated peak of 8,000 employees on site. The unique characteristics of the place including the built heritage, topography and river frontage may inspire an interesting mix of employment generating uses. These uses would complement those at the adjacent Highpoint Activity Centre and meet the needs of the future community.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING The Commonwealth has committed to the delivery of a portion of the future development to social and affordable housing. This is consistent with the objectives of the Victorian Government’s Homes for Victorians policy. The 2010 Maribyrnong Shared Vision suggested a minimum 20 per cent of housing be affordable for low to moderate income households. The VPA will work with Maribyrnong City Council to identify an appropriate and feasible provision of social and affordable housing and means for implementation.

OPEN SPACE & COMMUNITY FACILITY PROVISION The VPA and Maribyrnong City Council are preparing a social and community infrastructure strategy for Northern Maribyrnong. The strategy will identify the anticipated social infrastructure needs of the future population and inform infrastructure and spatial planning for the area including DSM. It is anticipated that areas of DSM will be required for open space and community facilities.

VALUE CREATION & CAPTURE The establishment of a new planning framework for DSM will generate a significant value uplift in land value for the Commonwealth. Development of DSM will also place demands for new and improved public infrastructure funded by the State and local government. Therefore, value capture mechanisms consistent the Victorian Government’s Value Capture and Creation Framework will be employed to ensure development contributes to the costs of such public infrastructure provision.

STATEMENT OF POLICY INTENT DEFENCE SITE MARIBYRNONG 7 STATE & LOCAL PLANNING POLICY The preparation of the DSM planning framework will have regard to the relevant State and Local Planning Policies. The following is not an exhaustive list however notes the most relevant guidance:

STATE POLICY MELBOURNE WATER • Plan Melbourne 2017–2050 • Guidelines for Development in Flood-prone Areas • Homes for Victorians • Planning for Sea Level Rise Guidelines • Climate Change Framework • Waterway Corridors: Guidelines for Development • Water for Victoria MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL • Maribyrnong River Valley Design Guidelines • Maribyrnong Planning Schemes • Biodiversity 2037 • Maribyrnong Council Plan • Value Creation and Capture Framework • Housing Strategy • Victorian Cycling Strategy 2018–2028 • Highpoint Planning and Urban Design Framework • Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy • Open Space Strategy LEGISLATION MOONEE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL • Planning and Environment Act 1987 • Moonee Valley Planning Schemes • Environment Protection Act 1970 • Moonee Valley Council Plan • Transport Integration Act 2010 • MV2040 Long Term Plan • Heritage Act 2017 • Subdivision Act 1988 • Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006

GET IN TOUCH

WEB https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/defence-site-maribyrnong/ EMAIL [email protected] PHONE 03 9651 9600 MAIL Level 25, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 INTERPRETING SERVICES 13 14 50

Your partner in planning great places for a growing Victoria

Summary Report Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West Taking direct action to reduce our community’s exposure

Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group

March 2020

Acknowledgment

We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters, their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands within the Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay municipalities, the Kulin Nation including the Wurundjeri and other traditional owners. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices.

Decisions relating to the Report’s content and recommendations were made by consensus among members of the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group and do not necessarily represent the views of individual members.

ISBN 978-1-76105-133-3 (Print) ISBN 978-1-76105-134-0 (pdf/online/MS word)

Overview

The Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group was announced by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio, and the former Minister for Roads, the Hon Luke Donnellan, in July 2018. Its key task was to investigate and provide advice, for Victorian Government consideration, on actions to address air quality issues in the Inner West of Melbourne (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong municipalities). Members of the Community Reference Group included general community members and groups (all of whom volunteered their time) and local government representatives. Over 15 months, they met 22 times to deliver on their Terms on Reference to: • investigate current air quality issues and concerns across the three municipalities, including current transport initiatives such as the West Gate Tunnel project ; • provide advice and recommendations for government consideration, including feasibility and relative importance of any actions, to address air quality issues in the inner west, including in relation to tunnel filtration for the West Gate Tunnel project ; and • ensure their findings are communicated to communities of the inner west. The Community Reference Group’s public Report, Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West: taking direct action to reduce our community’s exposure , was delivered to ministers on 31 March 2020. The Report details the health and amenity impacts of air pollution on Inner West communities, and contains 26 recommendations, with 65 supporting actions, about how the Victorian Government can tackle the impacts of local air pollution. This document summarises the key findings of the Report, together with all recommendations and supporting actions. The Report’s content is grouped according to the following themes: • Health effects of air pollution • Monitoring, analysis and reporting • The regulatory and policy environment • Transport • Industrial emissions • Planning This full Report can be found at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/inner-west-air-quality- reference-group . The Community Reference Group awaits the Victorian Government’s response to its findings and recommendations.

Melbourne’s Inner West: Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay municipalities

Introduction

The municipalities of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong—Melbourne’s Inner West—represent a major residential, business, industrial and cultural hub for Melbourne. Located near important infrastructure, transport links, the Port of Melbourne and Melbourne’s CBD, the Inner West is crucial to Victoria’s economic development and its social, environmental and cultural fabric. Inner West communities are exposed to high levels of air pollution, including dust and odour. Industry and transport are primary contributors. These levels create serious risks for our communities’ health, quality of life and amenity. There are many reasons for this, the main ones being: • the historical legacy of industrial sites and associated transport hubs in the Inner West and surrounding areas • our geographic location, which ‘funnels’ large numbers of vehicles through the Inner West, to and from the CBD, the Port of Melbourne, and the eastern, northern and southern suburbs • the large number of diesel-fuelled vehicles on our roads • the extensive areas of open and unsealed land (which create dust), often containing uncovered material stockpiles and linked by unsealed roads • the historical lack of effective government action to deal with the pollution. The situation is being made worse by a rapidly growing population, which is increasingly exposed in many locations to industrial and transport emissions. Urban infill is resulting in residential areas becoming ever closer to industrial areas and transport corridors. Further, the warming, drying climate is also heightening risks from bushfires and dust storms, and exacerbating dust from industry, landfills and unsealed roads and sites. According to Environmental Justice Australia, the Inner West contains two of Victoria’s air pollution ‘hot spots’, Yarraville and Brooklyn, which rank seventh and eighth in Australia for air pollution concentrations. Poor air quality poses serious risks for human health. It leads to around 4,880 premature deaths in Australia each year. This is more than four times the number of lives lost on Australia’s roads in 2019. Poor air quality damages respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and is associated with diabetes, cognitive decline and dementia, inflammatory bowel disease, brain tumours and mental health problems. Pollutants such as diesel exhaust emissions are known to be carcinogenic; science is also showing that adverse health effects can occur at lower levels of concentration than previously thought and that even short-term exposure can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions. Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with underlying chronic health conditions are at greatest risk. The number of pollutants known to cause health risks is increasing as the scientific evidence develops. For example, particulate matter with a diameter of less than one micrometre is increasingly a health concern. People who live and work in the Inner West experience health problems associated with air pollution at a higher rate than the general Australian population. These include higher rates of hospitalisation for heart failure, asthma and heart disease, and a higher incidence of lung cancer. These problems cannot be fully explained by factors such as socio-economic status, smoking rates, obesity levels and age profiles, and air pollution is likely an important contributory factor. The high current and historical air pollution levels in the Inner West mean that local communities have been and continue to be exposed to greater health and amenity risks than many other Victorian communities. Strong action is required to protect our communities. Effective government intervention is necessary to bring about change. Air pollution from sources in the Inner West—particularly motor vehicles and industry—is controllable and the risks to the Inner West community can be mitigated, if not prevented.

Monitoring, analysis and reporting

Accurate, comprehensive monitoring of and reporting on air pollution are crucial to identifying levels, sources and trends that can be used to develop effective, targeted pollution reduction programs. Pollution monitoring in the Inner West is currently insufficient. There is a particular lack of monitoring at potential ‘hot spots’ such as along main roads, freight corridors and adjacent to industrial sites. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) operates only three long-term monitoring stations in the Inner West. These aim to represent ambient air pollution, and so are situated away from major roads, which means there is no long-term monitoring where pollution levels are likely to be at their highest. There are six temporary air pollution monitoring stations, commissioned by the West Gate Tunnel project (WGTP). There is limited monitoring for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone. No monitoring is done for ultrafine particulate matter, which is a known risk to human health. Although limited, the monitoring that does take place shows that air pollution is a widespread and alarming problem in the Inner West. For example, in 2019 Victorian objectives for particulate matter were regularly exceeded at the majority of monitoring stations. There were between five and eight days on which fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) 3 concentrations exceeded the 24-hour objective of 25 µg/m , and between seven and 41 days when coarse 3 particulate matter (PM 10 ) concentrations exceeded the 24-hour objective of 50 µg/m . Also, in 2019, average annual PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations exceeded the Victorian objectives for these at the majority of Inner West monitoring stations. Air quality objectives themselves are not sufficient to protect community health and amenity. There is no apparent government goal to make all objectives equivalent to international best practice. Because they are non-statutory and are measured at only a limited number of monitoring sites, air quality objectives have a limited impact on driving major polluters to take meaningful action to reduce emissions. To help the Inner West community limit its exposure to and risk from air pollution, it is vital that it is provided with more comprehensive air quality reporting, in accessible formats and in plain English. Current reporting is primarily on websites, which are not accessible for many community members, and the language in the reports is highly technical. Many Inner West residents are not able to obtain air quality information they can understand and act on. Further, there is no targeted education campaign in the Inner West to explain the health risks posed by poor air quality or action people can take to protect themselves from it. The Community Reference Group makes four recommendations in relation to improving the monitoring of and reporting on air quality and increasing community awareness (pages 11 and 12).

The regulatory and policy environment

Effective government policy and regulation, and action to ensure compliance, are central to reducing Inner West air pollution. These apply to all regulation and policy associated with management of air pollution, among them environment protection, transport, planning, public health and wellbeing, occupational health and safety, and emergency management. Aspects of the current regulatory and policy environment, including gaps and loopholes, can limit effective action to manage and reduce air pollution. For example, there is a functional disconnect between air quality regulators and public health authorities. This is exemplified in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which has no focus on reducing air pollution despite the large body of evidence on the adverse health effects of poor air quality. The process for developing policy, legislation and regulation does not provide for sufficient weighting of human health and community amenity benefits. Consideration of economic impacts is given priority over these. The Victorian Government is reforming the state’s environment protection framework, introducing a preventative approach to managing pollution underpinned by a ‘general environmental duty’ that requires Victorians to take reasonably practical measures to prevent pollution occurring. This is vastly preferable to the approach applied to date, which often focuses on responding to pollution only after it has occurred. Adequate funding and resourcing of the EPA and other authorities will, however, be required so the new powers and tools can be used to best effect. National laws can restrict Victoria from taking a stronger approach to air pollution management. For example, the main provisions controlling transport-related emissions are set through national emissions standards, fuel quality standards and the National Heavy Vehicle Law. For shipping fuel standards, they depend on an international convention. If national policy and statutory frameworks are to better deal with air pollution risks, the Victorian Government has a clear role in advocating for improvements. The Community Reference Group makes four recommendations in relation to improving policy and statutory frameworks governing air quality (page 13).

Transport emissions

The Inner West is subject to disproportionate levels of air pollution from transport emissions, especially from trucks. The area is a transport, industry and logistics hub and is close to other major hubs such as the Port of Melbourne. A growing population and increasing urban density, industrial activity and commuter traffic, including future increases in Port of Melbourne activity, are causing adverse health and amenity impacts on the Inner West community from transport emissions to become worse. An increasing number of trucks are moving throughout the Inner West each day, many of them using residential streets and going through community areas—past schools, kindergartens, aged-care facilities, shops and recreational facilities. Many are older, more polluting vehicles: the average age of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet is 14.8 years. In the absence of any action, the adverse effects of increased transport air pollution will continue to grow. For example, the opening of the West Gate Tunnel will result in increased traffic along the tunnel’s feeder roads, and truck traffic associated with the expansion of the Port of Melbourne is forecast to grow from about 11,000 trips each weekday in 2016 to 34,000 in 2050.

Of particular concern are the impacts resulting from diesel emissions, which are carcinogenic. There is no safe level of exposure to these. About 80–95 per cent of diesel exhaust particulates are ultrafine, which are particularly damaging to health. Exacerbating this situation are Australia’s fuel quality and vehicle emission standards, which are among the poorest in the OECD. The Commonwealth Government is not taking effective action to improve these standards. Additionally, there are no effective processes for ensuring that in-service vehicles are maintained in such a way as to comply with vehicle emission standards. The West Gate Tunnel will emit concentrated streams of exhaust air through two ventilation stacks, with these emissions contributing to an overall increase in local airshed pollution. The Inquiry and Advisory Committee appointed to advise the Minister for Planning on the West Gate Tunnel proposal recommended that ventilation stack filtration be fitted to reduce air pollution emissions, but the Victorian Government decided filtration will be retrofitted only if monitoring shows that air pollutants reach undefined ‘trigger’ levels. The increased airshed emissions will pose unknown risks for local communities. Tunnel construction is already causing unacceptable air quality problems, including elevated levels of dust (some of which may contain pollutants of concern, such as PFAS, asbestos, lead, mercury and arsenic), emissions from on-site machinery and idling vehicles, and increased traffic congestion. Access restrictions for heavy vehicles are planned for some Inner West roads once the West Gate Tunnel has opened. This will, however, probably cause increased traffic and pollution effects for other roads, especially feeder routes such as Millers Road in Brooklyn (4,500 extra trucks projected a day), Williamstown Road, and to and from a new ramp on Hyde Street, Spotswood. There is also a risk that drivers will choose new routes through Spotswood, Williamstown, Newport and Yarraville to avoid tunnel tolls. The Port of Melbourne is another major source of air pollution. Its operations generate large volumes of particulate matter and sulphur dioxide from shipping, onshore diesel machinery and inward and outbound trucks. The port’s proximity to the Inner West and its future expansion plans mean it will continue to have major impacts on our communities. The Community Reference Group makes six recommendations in relation to reducing transport emissions (pages 14 to 16).

Industrial emissions

Industry makes a disproportionately high contribution to poor air quality in the Inner West. The area contains 18 per cent of Melbourne’s industrially-zoned land. There are some plans to reduce the impacts of heavy industry on the community—for example, through the Brooklyn Evolution Strategy, which was developed to change this precinct’s zoning from heavy industrial to light industrial over 20 years—but implementation is occurring too slowly. Air pollution is very common near industrial areas such as the Brooklyn Industrial Precinct and Altona North, where residential development has been encroaching on industrial areas. In 2018–19 there were 22 days when dust levels in Brooklyn exceeded Victorian air quality objectives. In

2019, EPA and West Gate Tunnel project monitoring stations near Brooklyn showed exceedances of PM 10 objectives for between 26 and 41 days. This has been a long-term problem: for example, the standard was exceeded 40 times in 2009–10. As well as being a pollutant that has health impacts, dust has major deleterious impacts on amenity: for example, cement dust from rock-crushing plants can clog guttering and cause structural damage to homes and vehicles.

Industrial sites can also cause odour problems, which have serious impacts on community amenity. Residents of Brooklyn, Altona North, Yarraville and South Kingsville are severely affected by odour from the Brooklyn Industrial Precinct. Constant exposure affects people’s health, wellbeing and lifestyle, restricting outdoor activity and generally creating an unpleasant environment. In the Community Reference Group’s view, odour-causing facilities are not doing enough to control their emissions, and better EPA action in response to community reports of odour is essential. Sulphur dioxide, which has damaging effects on respiratory health, is released from shipping operations, chemical industries and refinery operations. Licence limits can control this but can also be set very high: for example, one major refinery in the Inner West is licensed to emit over 6,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide a year. The Community Reference Group has identified a number of other air quality risks posed by industrial land: • Landfill operations do not always take due care to prevent emissions, especially of dust and odour, and compliance with planning permit conditions and licence requirements is not always effectively policed. • Unsealed roads, driveways and industrial sites are a major source of dust. Although some efforts have been made to resolve this (such as the partial sealing of Jones and Bunting Roads in Brooklyn), many unsealed areas, including road verges, remain. • Storage sites for shipping containers appear to be proliferating in and around the Inner West because of the area’s proximity to the Port of Melbourne. Storage sites are often on unsealed land, where heavy vehicle movements and general site activities lead to large amounts of dust. • Stockpiling of materials such as waste soil and industrial chemicals often appears to be poorly managed. The stockpiles can create wind-blown dust (which may include unknown hazardous chemicals). Toxic emissions can also occur from industrial fires and other accidents. Given the often-unknown composition of waste materials and industrial chemicals, these can cause significant health risks to the community. The EPA carries out inspections of industrial sites to assess compliance with licence requirements and in response to community complaints, yet pollution persists. Compliance action is not meeting community expectations. It appears that the onus for reporting and proving instances of pollution is often placed on the community or councils rather than the EPA or industry. The EPA needs to increase the number of its inspections and improve its responsiveness to community complaints. Compliance efforts should be more streamlined and transparent. The Community Reference Group makes seven recommendations in relation to reducing industrial emissions, dust and odour (pages 17 and 18).

Planning

The Victorian planning system offers limited capacity for effectively controlling air quality. Air quality requirements are difficult to apply effectively and to enforce through planning permits and conditions, and the planning system is biased towards achieving economic benefits. ‘Existing use rights’ can enable a landowner to keep undertaking activities, even if these impact local health or reduce local amenity, making it difficult to address and reduce such sources of air pollution. For example, many sites in the Brooklyn Industrial Precinct received their planning permits over 25 years ago, if they received permits at all. However, because use of the sites has continued for longer than 15 years, site owners are considered to have ‘existing use rights’, enabling them to continue with polluting activities that would not be allowed under a planning permit issued today.

Rather than matters relating to amenity being open to interpretation, the Community Reference Group considers it should be made clear that if there are any potentially adverse health or amenity impacts associated with an industrial use—regardless of how minor those impacts might be—a planning permit should be required so that some control can be exercised over this. Decisions regarding amenity matters should not be left to a council planner, as this can potentially result in disputes with an applicant, or even referral to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to seek a determination. Given the significant volume of air pollution from traffic, the Community Reference Group understands that the location of sensitive-use facilities close to major road corridors is creating difficulties for local government planning departments. VCAT recently decided to allow a childcare centre to be built on the corner of Williamstown Road and Francis Street in Yarraville, despite Maribyrnong Council’s objections due to concern of the health impacts to vulnerable children. This decision highlights the barriers the planning system can pose when it comes to reducing health risks. In its determination of the application, VCAT failed to recognise the problem of poor air quality at what is possibly one of the most polluted intersections in Melbourne. An amendment to the Planning Policy Framework to specify separation distances would remove all uncertainty for developers and provide clear indications for the location of all future sensitive-use facilities. The Community Reference Group makes five recommendations in relation to improving the ability of Victoria’s planning system to reduce air pollution (page 19).

Next steps

The Community Reference Group awaits the Victorian Government’s careful consideration of our findings and recommendations, and its formal public response to these. The Community Reference Group expects the government will release a response to its Report within six months and, shortly thereafter, an action plan articulating how it will respond to the recommendations. We also expect the government to provide regular, public reporting on progress against its commitments. This will be crucial to keeping the community informed of progress to reduce hazardous air pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West and its impacts on our health and amenity.

Recommendations

This is a list of all our recommendations to reduce air pollution and improve the health and amenity of the Inner West. In line with our Terms of Reference, we have considered the relative importance of these recommendations. Although we strongly recommend that the Victorian Government act on each one, there are several which are particular priorities, addressing key air pollution problems. All priority recommendations are shown in bold text below.

Recommendations have also been classified as:

Short-term Likely to be able to be implemented in the next one to two years at limited or no additional cost to government

Medium-term Likely to be able to be implemented in three to eight years and will require additional government investment

Long-term Likely to require eight or more years and significant government investment before recommendation can be actioned

Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting

That the Victorian Government:

Medium-term 3.1 Increases the level of, and access to, Inner West air quality monitoring and information. [Priority] Through actions such as:

- permanently transferring WGTP monitoring stations to the EPA - utilising air quality modelling and forecasting processes to complement the monitoring network

- publicly and promptly reporting actions taken in response to significant instances of air pollution, such as industrial fires

- implementing a representative monitoring network, including for key pollution locations such as major roads, the West Gate Tunnel and industrial sites

- publishing all information in as close to real time as possible and maintaining historical data, on a single website

- utilising lower cost monitoring sensors to complement permanent monitoring stations where appropriate to achieve more representative monitoring coverage of the Inner West

- reporting all data in 8-minute, 1 hour, 24-hour and annual average increments

Medium-term 3.2 Implements an air pollution education campaign to improve Inner West communities and visitors’ knowledge of the health risks from local air pollution and what can be done to address and avoid these. [Priority] Actions to achieve this could include:

- creating a phone app (like an upgraded version of AirWatch) to alert local populations of levels of air pollution and specific actions that can be taken, depending on severity

- using multiple communication tools to target the diverse communities of the Inner West

- using innovative tools such as environmental health tracking, a community impacts scorecard and/or an Inner West air quality map, to provide information on local pollution levels and their health impacts

- for the top ten of these pollutants (based on community health risk) demonstrating how premises emitting them will be made to be compliant with their environment protection statutory obligations

- publishing a comprehensive and transparent list of all major organic compounds emitted as air pollutants by Inner West industrial premises (on the AirWatch website)

Medium-term 3.3 Identifies pollutants of emerging scientific concern to the Inner West, including

PM 1 and ultrafine particles, to inform policies, legislation and programs to manage them. Through actions such as:

- funding epidemiological studies to better understand likely community exposure and health risks

- identifying ways to effectively monitor and report these pollutants

- setting reporting standards for these pollutants

Short-term 3.4 Considers the cumulative impact of historic Inner West community exposure to air pollution when making decisions regarding planning applications, developments and other initiatives, and applies more stringent actions in this area to drive down air pollution.

The Regulatory and Policy Environment

That the Victorian Government:

Medium-term 4.1 Builds on the reforms to the environment protection framework, ensuring its policy, strategy and statutory framework development, and decision-

making, prioritise addressing the health impacts of Inner West air pollution. [Priority] Through actions such as:

- committing to ongoing funding and expansion on the number of OPLE roles or similar in the Inner West, enabling them to: o respond to air pollution complaints in a timely manner o reduce air pollution risks through prevention and community and industry education

- reviewing other statutory frameworks impacting on air quality management, to assess opportunities for complementary strengthening, including addressing inconsistencies, gaps and loopholes

- including air quality as a priority in the next Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (Vic) and requiring consistent and complimentary Inner West municipal health plans

- improving cooperation between agencies with air quality management, including reporting, responsibilities

- ensuring Inner West air quality solutions are a key focus in the Victorian Air Quality Strategy

- engaging effectively, proactively and transparently with the community wherever appropriate

Medium-term 4.2 Commits to ongoing funding of local medical resources specialising in addressing health risks from air pollution, commensurate with the enhanced risks to Inner West communities.

Medium-term 4.3 Undertakes a health risk assessment of the public health impacts caused by air pollution in hot spot areas in the Inner West, including the Brooklyn residential precinct.

Short-term 4.4 Ensures the environmental and social requirements of the Transport Integration Act are upheld such that transport and land use authorities work together to achieve an integrated and sustainable transport system in the Inner West.

Transport

That the Victorian Government:

Medium-term 5.1 Develops a comprehensive policy to drive uptake of low and no emission vehicles, and reduce transport emissions, with a focus on the Inner West.

[Priority] This could accommodate the following actions:

- introducing a low emission zone bounded by Grieve Parade, Geelong Road, Kororoit Creek Road and Whitehall Street. Initially, more polluting vehicles should be banned from entering the zone for three hours per day, and immediately before and after core child care, kindergarten and school hours. Over time the ban should be increased to 24-hours. Introduction of the zone should be complemented by measures to support vehicle owners to upgrade to less polluting vehicles

- incentivising businesses - particularly freight operators - to upgrade fleets to incorporate vehicles that are, at a minimum, Euro 5 / V equivalent or use alternate fuels

- only entering public transport contracts with bus operators that stipulate the use of low and no emission vehicles, for example electric buses

- facilitating the movement of freight from road to rail, including fast tracking the Port Rail Shuttle project and identifying if this can be expanded, and working with the Port of Melbourne to enable rail to Webb Dock

- changing its procurement requirements to ensure all other vehicles used for Victorian Government services and projects are, at a minimum, Euro 5 / V or equivalent compliant or utilise alternative fuels

- investigating other ways to drive greater uptake of alternative fuels

Medium-term 5.2 Develops a comprehensive, evidence-based policy to minimise air pollution associated with the WGTP both during construction and once the tunnel opens. [Priority] Actions should include:

- installation of green walls - using technology such as the Junglefy Breathing Wall modules - along the West Gate Freeway between Millers and Melbourne Roads and along the section of Millers Road north of the Freeway

- measures to ensure the operation of the tunnel project does not encourage increased truck traffic on feeder roads through residential communities – particularly along Millers and Williamstown Roads. This could be done, for example, by ensuring trucks are redirected through industrial areas and providing alternate heavy vehicle routes (e.g. through the upgrade of Grieve Parade through to Market Road and upgrade of Paramount Road route) and enforcing bans or restrictions

- anti-idling requirements for vehicles involved in WGTP construction

- action on the IAC’s recommendation to install filtration on the tunnel ventilation stacks. Filtration should be installed prior to the tunnel opening

- a requirement that the WGTP plants replacement trees as near to their original location as possible. (e.g. near Primula Avenue, Millers Road and Grieve Parade, and along the West Gate Freeway corridor)

- installation of fixed barriers to shield sensitive uses from traffic pollution, particularly on the Hyde Street on-ramp in Spotswood, adjacent to the Emma McLean Kindergarten

- explore opportunities to better protect existing sensitive uses exposed to significant air pollution sources (e.g. new highways or major roads), such as through installation of on-site monitoring, installation of on-site filtration systems, and/or protection and regeneration of trees and wildlife, funded, for instance, through increasing road tolling charges.

Long-term 5.3 Prioritises improvements to public transport in the Inner West (including better integration between modes). [Priority] Actions could include:

- reopening the Paisley and Galvin train stations - fast-tracking the MM2 project

- increasing frequency and coverage of bus routes in the Inner West and regularly reviewing to ensure access is maximised

- improving passenger facilities (e.g. bike parking) at train stations in the Inner West

- expanding the MM2 project to include o the upgrade of the existing freight line between Newport and Sunshine to accommodate passenger services (e.g. electrification and widening of the rail-line) o the opening of new stations at locations such Altona North/South Kingsville and Brooklyn o developing and implementing access plans for all Inner West train stations to further encourage patronage.

Medium-term 5.4 Advocates to the Commonwealth to implement measures that will improve air quality in the Inner West. Through actions such as:

- promoting and enabling greater use of alternative fuels and low and no emission vehicles to replace use of diesel and petrol-powered vehicles through e.g. a national plan, incentives and/or disincentives for manufacturers and end-users

- strengthening the eligibility criteria for the Federal Diesel Fuel Tax Credit Scheme to ensure the rebate is only provided for newer, less polluting heavy vehicles

- strengthening fuel quality standards to bring them in line with Australia’s trading partners, reducing sulphur content in vehicle fuels to 10ppm or lower

- strengthening vehicle emission standards for heavy vehicles by: o requiring that all new heavy vehicles meet, at a minimum, Euro VI equivalent standard. o monitoring in-service heavy vehicles in the Inner West to make sure they continue to meet air emission standards

- reducing train emissions by o implementing diesel locomotive standards by requiring that all freight locomotives meet the equivalent of the US Tier 4 standard o identifying opportunities to promote the adoption of electric trains

Medium-term 5.5 Works with the Port of Melbourne to develop a Clean Port Program. [Priority] Actions which could incorporate:

- an environmental charge, bans or restricted access to the port for older more polluting vehicles

- financial incentives e.g. discounted berthing fees for ‘cleaner’ ships with newest engines or equivalent NOx reducing technology

- on-shore electrical power so ships do not need to use diesel generated power while berthed

- electrifying or utilising hybrid fuel systems for port operations such as ship to shore cranes and gantry cranes

- establishing air quality improvement targets, and regular monitoring and reporting of air pollutant levels, from the Port of Melbourne

- working with the Australian Government to enable EPA to have jurisdiction over the development and implementation of Port of Melbourne environment protection controls

Medium-term 5.6 Facilitates all levels of Government to develop targeted ‘polluter pays’ incentives to fast track air quality improvements and produce resources required to implement this report's recommendations and meet clean energy targets. Actions could include:

- a new tax or levy for diesel and other polluting fuels, including those used to transport shipping containers, power cruise ships, and manufacture plastics

Industrial emissions

That the Victorian Government:

Medium-term 6.1 Fast tracks implementation of the Brooklyn Evolution Strategy 2016 long term framework plan, providing the necessary support for local government, community and industry to achieve the Strategy’s aims. [Priority]

Medium-term 6.2 Provides appropriate resourcing to the EPA to enable it to use its strengthened tools and powers. [Priority]

Short-term 6.3 Identifies and eliminates sources of dust emissions. [Priority] Actions could include:

- ensuring any industrial and commercial sites with significant vehicular traffic, such as container parks, be sealed

- identifying and sealing roads and verges - the use of wheel wash facilities for heavy vehicles

- require that all crushing operations be enclosed to contain all dust

Short-term 6.4 Requires that the EPA prioritise its strengthened statutory tools and powers to ensure Inner West industrial premises comply with their air pollution management obligations. Actions could include:

- implementing a risk-based approach, focusing on premises creating greater air pollution, dust and/or odour risks to human and environmental health and amenity

- commencing with such premises in the Brooklyn Industrial Estate and other major Inner West air pollution emitters, ensuring: o full compliance with all works approval, licence and other permit conditions, general duty obligations and compliance notice obligations, including for major organic compounds being emitted o instances of non-compliance are addressed within three months of their identification o appropriate industry guidance documentation and other information / advice provided o air pollution monitoring and reporting requirements are introduced to enable EPA to assess levels of emissions and compliance with any licence limits o appropriate and regular inspection and/or independent auditing of compliance is undertaken o communities and local governments are supported to effectively comment on draft new or amended works approvals, licences or other permissions, including through provision of adequate

technical expertise and increasing formal referrals to local governments o dust and odour emissions are treated at source and contained within site boundaries o undeveloped and/or unoccupied industrial sites are appropriately secured and maintained to prevent emissions

- identifying where it is appropriate to use other new statutory powers (e.g. requiring development of Better Environment Plans) to eliminate emissions of air pollution, and implementing actions to ensure their effective use

Long-term 6.5 Moves existing industrial premises that create substantial air pollution, including dust and/or odour, out of the Inner West to areas where their emissions will have minimal or no impact on local communities. Crushing plants, demolition and materials handling facilities, and materials stockpiles should be prioritised.

Long-term 6.6 Reduces the major risks landfills pose to local air quality. Actions should include:

- not allowing landfills to rise above natural surrounding ground levels and being filled beyond permitted capacity

- identifying appropriate means to rapidly fill Altona North landfill with clean fill

- monitoring and enforcing landfill environmental management requirements

Short-term 6.7 Assesses the feasibility of transforming the former wholesale fruit and vegetable market on Footscray Road into a container park, to reduce the proliferation of such parks in the Inner West and associated haulage of containers to and from them.

Planning

That the Victorian Government:

Medium-term 7.1 Amends the Planning Policy Framework to support development of consistent and appropriate local planning policies to improve environmental and amenity

outcomes to better protect the community from transport, commercial and industrial induced air pollution. Actions could include: - ensuring that sensitive-use facilities, such as childcare centres, schools, aged care facilities and hospitals, are located at specified distances from existing air polluting industries and major transport corridors, including air, road and rail. The specified distance from transport corridors will be determined by scientific evidence related to vehicle numbers, pollution levels, type of vehicle (truck/car/diesel train), with the specified distance incorporated into the local planning policies of Councils in the Inner West - supporting Planning Schemes in the Inner West requiring planning permits for the establishment of all shipping container storage and handling sites, and review and strengthen the decision guidelines (VPP 53.07-1) to reduce on and off-site emissions and reduce the proximity to sensitive use facilities including residential zones

- supporting development of consistent and appropriate local planning policies in the Inner West to improve environmental and amenity outcomes that include Best Practice Industrial/Commercial Land Use Guidelines and landscaping requirements for industrial and commercial sites.

Medium-term 7.2 Reviews and amends the planning framework, including the Planning and Environment Act, to strengthen enforcement powers and penalties for breaches of Planning Permit conditions relating to offsite emissions, including air pollution and that any fines and penalties arising from breaches of the Act be directed to local environmental improvements.

Medium-term 7.3 Reviews and amends ‘as of right’ provisions to stop existing land uses creating excessive air pollution, with a particular focus on premises that do not meet current setback/buffer/siting planning requirements. This could be done by:

- providing subsidies or incentives to operators/land owners to support change of use or updating existing facilities or practices to bring them up to current planning system requirements, or negotiating early departure from the sites

Medium-term 7.4 Requires industries that emit a high level of air pollutants to establish ongoing air quality monitoring and reporting as mandatory planning approval requirements.

Long-term 7.5 Prioritises actions in Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 that will assist to enhance air quality outcomes, particularly:

- Direction 6.6 - Improve air quality and reduce impact of excessive noise

- Direction 3.4 - Improve freight efficiency and increase capacity of gateways while protecting urban amenity

- Direction 5.1 - Create a city of 20-minute neighbourhoods - Direction 1.1 - Create a city structure that strengthens Melbourne’s competitiveness for jobs and investments including

- Policy 1.1.3 - Facilitate the development of national employment and innovation clusters

North & West Melbourne City Deal Plan 2020–2040

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 1 Key stakeholders

Statement of intent Acknowledgement The North and West of Melbourne is one of the fastest of Country growing regions in Australia. With population increasing at a rate far exceeding jobs growth, a City Deal is critical We acknowledge the Ancestors, Elders and families of the to connect the major employment precincts across the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Boonwurrung, Taungurung, Dja Dja region, build connectivity within and beyond the region, and Wurrung and the Wathaurung groups who form the Kulin Nation improve economic growth, liveability, health and wellbeing. as the traditional owners of the land. We pay respect to the deep knowledge embedded within the Aboriginal community This proposal is the beginning of a process that links and their ownership of Country. We acknowledge that the all levels of government, universities and business in land on which we meet is a place of age old ceremonies of maximising benefits for the current and future community. celebration, initiation and renewal and that the Kulin people’s It focuses on the eight priority precincts in the region that living culture has a unique role in the life of this region. have been designated by the Victorian Government as Priority Precincts, National Employment and Innovation Clusters or Metropolitan Activity Centres. Thanks With an unprecedented level of cooperation among Thanks to those whose advice and expertise all stakeholders, the timing for action has never been led to development of this document: better to provide resources that will underpin and boost Melissa Atallah Chris James Wade Noonan economic and social development, create local jobs, Peter Dawkins Sue La Greca Karen Stephens increase efficiencies in passenger and freight transport John Dewar Natalie MacDonald Stephen Wall and improve quality of life for the region’s residents. Chris Eddy Rodney Maddock Jim Williamson A North West Melbourne City Deal will achieve all that, Linc Horton Ashley McInnes and more. Domenic Isola Leon Morris NOTE: It is understood that the world will change as a result of COVID-19 and this report is being prepared during Enquiries the pandemic. The pandemic may change the way in which [email protected] people work and live, but the implications of this may not nwmcitydeal.org.au be understood for some time.

2 North & West Melbourne Vision

All levels of government are working together with education and industry to secure the economic prosperity of North and West Melbourne (NWM), one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and Melbourne’s gateway to the rest of Australia. It’s a region with immense state and national significance. Without a City Deal, NWM is facing a crisis – a significant lack of jobs. A City Deal presents the region with huge opportunities.

The region’s 13 councils and two key universities are working • Future Economy: a workforce skilled in the digital economy, closely on this project with business and community to get leading Australia in new and revitalised industries such as the best results for the region. This level of regional cooperation advanced manufacturing and the circular economy, securing is unprecedented and provides a foundation for once-in-a- Australia’s essential supply chains and growing the range of generation change. The NWM City Deal will unlock employment professional services and economic development opportunities centred on the • Transport and Connectivity: improved transport and regional eight key precincts of Broadmeadows, Cloverton/Beveridge, connectivity, providing access to industry, employment, health, Cobblebank, Epping, Footscray, La Trobe, Sunshine and education and liveability options Werribee. • Health and Wellbeing: world-class health service delivery, The NWM City Deal will position the region to embrace training and research to meet the needs of a rapidly growing the new knowledge economy, through 66 transformative population and enabling projects to support four guiding themes: • Liveability: thriving and sustainable communities, focused on quality of life and place.

One in every 12 Australians and one in every three Victorians live in this region.

North and West Delivering social and Melbourne in 2040 economic inclusion across - a region of more than 8 connected economic 3 million people development precincts

Leveraging an enviable portfolio of With road, rail, air and sea 300,000 infrastructure new jobs

Covering Local 13 Supported by an Government Areas advanced, high tech and innovative City Deal Plan 2020-2040 knowledge economy 3 Introduction

North and West Melbourne (NWM) is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, with a population projected to exceed three million within the next 20 years – 50 per cent larger than that of South Australia. There is an immediate need to regionally respond to this growth with a strategic approach to planning for infrastructure, jobs and provision of vital services.

Exactly 30 years ago, during the 1990–1991 recession, This will be achieved by all levels of government working Commonwealth and state governments worked together together to unlock the region’s productivity and potential, to unlock regional productivity and potential by investing including through improved transport/connectivity, innovation in Melbourne’s Metropolitan Ring Road. Their investment in advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency and new in regional economic development organisations (REDOs) energy and waste technologies, and expansion of knowledge helped to drive this work. industries and services. Today this region, along with the rest of the world, is facing The challenge in unlocking manufacturing and knowledge another significant challenge, and key organisations across NWM industries is heightened by the severing of supply chains – LeadWest, NORTH Link, Northern Councils Alliance (NCA) and due to COVID-19. The return of manufacturing in a more WoMEDA (West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance1) sophisticated and competitive form will be realised by support – are ready to play their part again, in partnership with La Trobe for closer links between tertiary institutions and industry in key University in the North of Melbourne and Victoria University precincts and sectors. Critical enablers include effective freight in the West. This partnership provides a strategic approach to networks to move goods, and passenger road/rail/cycling/ inform investment projects that will result in significant growth. walking networks to connect knowledge workers to jobs. The It also offers the research, skills development and training region is home to Melbourne Airport and Essendon Airport, required to support these initiatives. and adjacent to the Port of Melbourne and Avalon Airport. This provides significant advantage and the opportunity to A number of transformative projects are on the way, including build on existing infrastructure to create employment hubs the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, the North East Link and the linked by vibrant job corridors. Unlocking Commonwealth land West Gate Tunnel. But these projects won’t be enough, as they such as the Defence Site Maribyrnong and Maygar Barracks largely cater for yesterday’s congestion and growth. for significant projects will provide real opportunities for In May 2019, the Australian Government made a commitment affordable and social housing and other development options. to deliver a NWM City Deal. With City Deals, Commonwealth, This City Deal has strong potential to create significant state and local governments can drive national priorities tailored relationships and synergies that currently do not exist. For to local needs, develop plans for growth and commit to the example, there may be an opportunity for La Trobe University actions required. to work with the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, The NWM City Deal will unlock economic potential and meet the Water and Environment quarantine facility at Mickleham to health and social needs of the region’s communities, including support food security and production. Another example in responding to the challenge of COVID-19 recovery, by delivering the West is the opportunity for Victoria University to work world-leading industry activity in connected economic with Commonwealth, state and local governments, and the development precincts. It will be nationally and internationally private sector, to develop the skills needed to support a civic recognised for establishing a unique mix of traditional and construction boom to help recovery from the recession, and innovative economic activity in key industry sectors. also to promote green jobs in areas such as waste and recycling. The Suburban Rail Loop and Outer Metropolitan Ring will strategically link NWM as an integral part of the vision (from Werribee to Heidelberg, with Victoria University, Melbourne Airport, Melbourne Market, La Trobe University, Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal, Western Intermodal Freight Precinct and everything in between), just as the original 1 LeadWest represents the six councils in western Melbourne Metropolitan Ring Road did 30 years ago. NCA represents the seven councils in northern Melbourne NORTH Link and WoMEDA are the peak economic development alliances in the region

4 North & West Melbourne • Innovation and knowledge economy • Best placed for advanced manufacturing • Enviable connectivity/supply chain – port, airports, road and rail • Active and vibrant job corridors

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 5 Key projects

Transformative projects

Commenced Committed Planned New opportunities • West Gate Tunnel • Melbourne • Broadmeadows • Beveridge Intermodal • Melbourne Metro 2 Airport Rail Link Revitalisation Freight Terminal • New Outer North • New Footscray • East Werribee • Epping Innovation and Hospital Hospital and Employment Precinct Food Export Hub Footscray • New Melton Hospital • La Trobe University University Town • North East Link City of the Future • Western Rail Plan Redevelopment • Outer Metropolitan Ring • Western Intermodal Freight Precinct • Suburban Rail Loop

Connecting Adds capacity to Further develops arc Improves freight in Advantages North North and West North and West from West to North North and West and and West, caters for supports northern future growth precincts Enabling projects Priority precinct focused

Precinct Project Broadmeadows • Broadmeadows Revitalisation Enablers • Kangan Institute (TAFE) Campus Redevelopment • Maygar Barracks Redevelopment Cloverton/Beveridge • Electrification of North East Line to Wallan • Northern Highway Upgrade Cobblebank • Western Business Accelerator and Centre of Excellence Expansion • Western Highway Upgrade Epping • Wollert Rail Footscray • Footscray Library, Community and Cultural Hub – NeXT • Health, Sports and Active Living Innovation Hub • Irving Street Interchange and Paisley Street Improvements • Northern Maribyrnong and Defence Site Maribyrnong • West Footscray Community Facilities Plan – RecWest Redevelopment • Whitten Oval Redevelopment La Trobe • BioInnovation and Sustainable Agrifoods Hub • Digital Innovation Hub • La Trobe NEIC Enablers • North West Health and Wellbeing Alliance Sunshine • Energy Park Regional Sports Facility • Mitchell Institute Centre for Jobs and Skills • St Albans Health and Wellbeing Hub Werribee • Melbourne Centre for Civil Construction • New A-League Stadium Value Capture • Sustainability Futures Centre • Sustainability Project • Westlink Ison Road Bridge • Wyndham Refuse Disposal Facility

6 North & West Melbourne Enabling projects Theme focused

Precinct Project

Future Economy • Brunswick Design District • Melbourne Innovation Centre Redevelopment • North and West Melbourne Data Analytics Hub Expansion • Scienceworks the National Science Museum

Transport and • Airport Rail East – SRL/Mass Rapid Transit Solution Connectivity • Eltham Congestion Busters • Essendon Fields/Airport West Improved Connectivity • Greensborough Station Redevelopment • Hume Freeway Diamond Interchanges • Moonee Ponds and Essendon North Intersection Upgrades • North Arterial Roads Package • Route 86 Tram Extension • Upfield Rail Project

Health and • Flemington Community Hub Wellbeing • Northern Centre for Health and Education Research Enhancement • Western Aquatic and Leisure Centre

Liveability • Greening the North • Greening the West • Hobsons Bay Foreshore Infrastructure • Hobsons Bay Wetlands and Biodiversity Centre • Northern Cultural Trails • Northern Regional Trails • Western Metropolitan Regional Trails – West Trails

A number of transformative projects are on the way, including the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, the North East Link and the West Gate Tunnel. But these projects won’t be enough, as they largely cater for yesterday’s congestion and growth.

Transformative projects are major projects that have broad region-wide significance.

Enabling projects will capitalise on the investment in transformative projects by activating precincts and surrounding areas in support of four guiding themes: Future Economy, Transport and Connectivity, Health and Wellbeing, and Liveability.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 7 North & West Melbourne

Transformative projects

Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal Broadmeadows Revitalisation East Werribee Employment Precinct Epping Innovation and Food Export Hub Footscray University Town La Trobe University City of the Future Redevelopment Melbourne Airport Rail Melbourne Metro 2 New Footscray Hospital New Melton Hospital New Outer North Hospital 1 North East Link 2 Outer Metropolitan Ring 3 E6 (proposed) Melton Melbourne Airport Suburban Rail Loop West Gate Tunnel Western Intermodal Freight Precinct New Sunbury Line Western Rail Plan Melton Melton Station Hospital

Cobblebank Existing key infrastructure

Western La Trobe University Intermodal Sunshine* Victoria University Freight Precinct Kangan Institute Melbourne Polytechnic RMIT University

Melbourne Airport 2 Melbourne Market Rail network Wyndham State Significant road corridor Hospitals Werribee

Geelong

Port of Geelong Wyndham Vale Avalon Airport Station

8 North & West Melbourne Werribee Station Mitchell

Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal (indicative) Cloverton/Beveridge

New Outer North Hospital (indicative)

3 Whittlesea

Mernda 2 Station Hume Epping

Hurstbridge Broadmeadows Station Nillumbik

Melbourne Broadmeadows Airport Station

M80 Greensborough

Upfield Line

Sunbury Line Station Craigieburn Line La Trobe Essendon Airport West Airport Hurstbridge Line Station (proposed) Bundoora Brimbank Moreland Station Banyule 1 Moonee Mernda Line Heidelberg Valley Darebin Station

Sunshine* Footscray Maribyrnong M80 Clifton Hill Sunshine Station Station Footscray Station CBD New Footscray Hospital

Hobsons Bay North Newport Station Werribee Line West

Port of Melbourne

Port Phillip Bay Location map N

* The Sunshine Priority Precinct includes the Sunshine Health Wellbeing and Education Precinct, Sunshine NEIC, Sunshine City Deal Plan 2020-2040 Metropolitan Activity Centre, Sunshine Super Hub, 9 St Albans Major Activity Centre and Victoria University. About our region

NWM has a proud history of significant Driven by rapid population growth and recent major infrastructure projects, there is strong momentum across contribution to the state and national the region to transform its base to advanced manufacturing economy, from its traditional manufacturing and knowledge-based industries. and heavy industry base. A thriving and By 2036, NWM will add one million residents and will have a population 50 per cent larger than that of South Australia. culturally diverse region with a deep Indigenous history, NWM is home to residents from 200 countries who 980,000+ significantly contribute to the creation of economic prosperity and rich cultural new residents and social fabric of its communities. expected by 2036 50% population growth over that time

North & West Melbourne Population Growth

Note: Population as at June 30th for each year. Source: Victoria in Future 2019, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. 2036 2,951,007

2031 2,677,234

2026 2,403,986 2021 2,133,456 2018 1,969,894

10 North & West Melbourne Research shows that NWM has had the least infrastructure funding of all Greater Melbourne regions on a population growth basis.

Key socio-economic indicators The rapidly growing population of NWM is creating of NWM show the following: unprecedented and unmet demand for educational offer at all levels, and medical services and facilities. The latest research2 shows that NWM has had the least infrastructure funding of all • local job availability – eight NWM LGAs are Greater Melbourne regions on a population growth basis. among the nine lowest in Melbourne for local job availability Plan Melbourne envisages that National Employment and Innovation Clusters (NEICs) in the suburbs will be the primary • socio-economic disadvantage – eight of the focus for knowledge-based and high-productivity jobs. Together bottom 10 LGAs (out of 32 in Greater Melbourne with key industrial precincts, transport gateways, health and and Mitchell) in the ABS SEIFA Index of Relative education precincts, Metropolitan Activity Centres (MACs) and Socio-Economic Disadvantage are in NWM, Major Activity Centres, these clusters will attract investment suggesting that the region has a strong case and stimulate employment. Connecting precincts by creating for priority in government programs that can job corridors is central to the successful outcomes of Victorian improve urban equity Government planning policy in NWM. • road congestion – Infrastructure Australia’s It has been identified3 that NWM has just one significant analysis of Victorian roads ranks roads in NWM as employment activity cluster – the La Trobe NEIC, specifically eight of the top 10 most congested in the state around Heidelberg. To support growth and better share benefits, there is a pressing need for development of stronger • Year 9 literacy – eight NWM LGAs rate among clusters in the region. Urban clusters4 are crucial for economic the 10 lowest in Melbourne development and productivity growth in the knowledge economy, and clusters need economic density for productivity. • obesity levels – 10 NWM LGAs are rated among the highest 12 LGAs out of 32 in Melbourne The Victorian Government has started to address this issue with its Precincts Policy, which includes Footscray and Sunshine • canopy cover – Melbourne’s West has just among the six designated Priority Precincts, the La Trobe and 4.2 per cent tree cover and the North has Werribee NEICs, Epping, Broadmeadows and Cobblebank 12.1 per cent compared to the Melbourne as MACs and Cloverton (formerly known as Lockerbie) as a average of 15 per cent. planned MAC.

2 NORTH Link-NIEIR, Northern Horizons, 2020 3 ibid. 4 A cluster is taken to contain at least 40 employees per hectare in 2011 or 2016, was more than 4 kms from Melbourne CBD, and at least 6000 employees worked there on 2016 census day.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 11 About our region

Improved transport links into Sunshine will be critical to Importance of adequate the success of the Sunshine Priority Precinct. The precinct includes the administrative and retail centre of Sunshine as public transport well as neighbouring St Albans, and the Sunshine Health and Wellbeing Precinct focused on the Sunshine Hospital, The key driver to accessing employment is transport connection. all important activity centres identified as having strong social Game-changing infrastructure projects need to be delivered to and economic opportunities. Transport infrastructure projects enable access to employment clusters and key precincts across such as those within the Western Rail Plan provide new and the entire region. upgraded stations, including the Sunshine Super Hub. Other projects such as the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, level crossing For example, the La Trobe NEIC, which is a major employment removals, the Western Intermodal Freight Precinct and the and innovation cluster in NWM, has the poorest public transport Suburban Rail Loop will greatly improve public transport, freight accessibility of the six original Plan Melbourne NEICs. The 70th movement and traffic congestion within the region. Related percentile public transport trip to La Trobe NEIC is almost two projects such as Melbourne Metro 1 and Geelong Fast Rail hours in the morning peak, including access–egress time and will also contribute to increased capacity in NWM. wait/transfer times. As a result, of all the NEICs, La Trobe relies least on public transport. Poor transport hinders its development The challenges faced by these two precincts are representative as an NEIC and this is a critical developmental barrier that needs of those faced by all precincts across the region. to be removed.

Dense employment clusters more than 4km from the CBD by size and journey to work mode split, Melbourne 2016

Source: Charting Transport (2018) https://chartingtransport.com/2018/07/08/ suburban-employment-clusters-and-the-journey-to- work-in-australian-cities/

Heidelberg

Hawthorn Box Hill

Ringwood

Tooronga

Camberwell CBD Junction Clayton

Dandenong Port Phillip Bay

Frankston

12 North & West Melbourne Jobs and commuting

The population of NWM is predicted to grow by one million between now and 2040. It can be assumed that approximately 650,000 of those people will be of working age. Applying the average labour force participation rate of 65 per cent means the region will need to provide an additional 422,000 jobs unless unemployment is to rise. The central issue then becomes the extent of commuting.

If the current commuting If the community An intermediate target, rate of 48.4 per cent applies, holds at its current which allows commuting to an extra 218,000 jobs will be level, the region will rise by about 100,000, will needed, with the other 204,000 need to provide all of demand 322,000 new jobs trying to commute the 422,000 jobs. be developed in the region. to other parts of the city.

NWM: Competitive strengths and challenges

The key strengths are: The main challenges are:

• large and rapidly growing population • pressure on services from rapid population growth

• residential and industrial land availability • under-development and insufficient employment clusters (70 per cent of Melbourne’s vacant industrial land) in the region (ie mismatch of jobs with skills and inadequate number of jobs)

• proximity to the Port of Melbourne, airports • predominance of lower skill jobs and main interstate transport routes (ie shortage of more senior/technical/professional roles)

• collaborative tertiary sector with universities • dominance of the radial transport system of focused on their regions Melbourne (ie excessive commuting)

• major public hospital clusters • under-developed amenity offerings

• pre-existing manufacturing capability, • concentrations of low socio-economic groups which will be more important post-COVID-19 in parts of the region

• high degree of regional cooperation • deficiencies in canopy cover

• strong, diverse multicultural community. • population growth outpacing provision of health care services.

The region has 70% of Melbourne’s vacant industrial land.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 13 Guiding themes for our City Deal proposal

In considering the broad range of needs across the region, it was agreed that the following four themes will drive work and aspirations.

Future Economy Health and Wellbeing With an increasing population and economic disruption In less than 20 years, with one million additional residents, NWM caused by COVID-19, the shortfall of jobs available will have a population 50 per cent larger than South Australia. to residents in NWM continues to grow. NWM already has world-class health service delivery, training We will take advantage of existing strengths (eg health, and research capacity, from Austin Health, Mercy Health, food production and manufacturing) and new and emerging Northern Health, Western Health and other providers in the opportunities in the knowledge, new energy and circular region. This will need to scale up to meet the challenges of a economies to build the future economy and future jobs. rapidly growing population (with significant pre-existing levels of socio-economic disadvantage and associated physical and We will build on the strengths and versatility of our key mental health indicators) and post-COVID-19 recovery. The tertiary institutions – La Trobe University, Victoria University5, region’s unique mix of world-class universities and cooperative Kangan Institute, Melbourne Polytechnic and Victoria University local governments make it well placed to provide health and Polytechnic – along with other tertiary institutions that have a wellbeing leadership post-COVID-19. presence in the region. Improved links with industry will benefit in terms of R&D, skills currency, innovation and employability. We will harness our collective strengths in primary and allied health care (including physiotherapy, psychology, speech Education for specific cohorts is essential, from early pathology, podiatry, dietetics and nutrition, and occupational childhood through to additional needs students, at-risk teens therapy) and public health (including disability, injury prevention and new migrants, to lifelong educational retention to break and rehabilitation, sexual health and families, youth and adult the cycle of disadvantage. And sustainability in every sense mental health support, and wellbeing). The sports science will be a significant contributor to the future economy. facilities at La Trobe University and Victoria University provide health and wellbeing based on the latest research and NWM has existing technology, through partnerships with leading soccer and AFL clubs. strengths in health, There is a need to provide more in aged services, particularly in transitioning older people from hospitals to home. Presently food production and these facilities are outdated, in and around the CBD and difficult manufacturing. for family from the outer suburbs to get to. NWM has the available land to develop aged care zones, hospitals, care and remediation facilities in and around key precincts so that they are easily accessible by residents and their families.

5 Our two universities are both ranked in the top 2 per cent of universities worldwide. La Trobe University is in the top 400 of all three major world university rankings and was recently ranked second in the world for health and wellbeing. NWM is well placed to (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings) Victoria University is ranked in the world’s top 12 places to study Sport Science and #35 provide health and wellbeing in the world for Hospitality and Tourism Management research. (Academic Ranking of World Universities) leadership post-COVID-19.

14 North & West Melbourne There is an opportunity for NWM to leverage significant infrastructure investments.

Transport and Connectivity Liveability A significant proportion of residents and workers in NWM To sustain Melbourne’s growth, Victoria has a need for thriving commute two hours or more daily, increasing as urban and sustainable communities outside the CBD. NWM will spread continues. A lack of integrated public transport build on its existing strengths in sectors such as waste, water, options, particularly to employment hubs such as the energy, food and the built environment to deliver improved La Trobe and Werribee NEICs, increases traffic congestion environmental, recreational, conservation and Indigenous and commuting times, as outlined in the Plan Melbourne outcomes. The City Deal provides an opportunity to focus on vision for 20 minute cities. building stronger local communities by enhancing quality of life and quality of places where people live, work and recreate. Improved transport infrastructure leads to lower transport costs, better employment opportunities, more time with This extends to lifting and maintaining standards of urban design family and community, increased community connectivity in inner suburbs where significant infill development is occurring, and increased safety and health benefits through improved halting and addressing the degradation of natural ecosystems in design of roads, cycle paths and pedestrian walkways. urban areas, ensuring adequate quality open space and cultural amenity, urban greening, protecting and enhancing foreshore Goods and services need to get to local, regional, national infrastructure, and purpose-designed bicycle and pedestrian and international markets from a growing region. This will require pathways for transport and recreational amenity. multi-modal transport options for workers and freight, including new freight hubs such as the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Activities in the arts, sport and recreation space are important Terminal and Western Intermodal Freight Precinct connecting for community health and wellbeing and can also be significant to the Commonwealth Inland Rail project. sources of community innovation. These actions can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes for residents The benefits for industry include but are not limited to across the region. increased travel range, reduced freight costs, higher employee productivity, quicker times to market, attraction of new Sustainability, culture and tourism are other areas that are investment and greater supply chain efficiency, underpinned significant contributors to the economy and liveability. Actions by advanced digital connectivity. to deliver more affordable housing and new social housing initiatives will also be required across the region, including, There is a unique and exciting opportunity for NWM to for example, unlocking Commonwealth land in strategic leverage significant infrastructure investments already redevelopment sites. committed or announced, including the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, Melbourne Metro 2, Outer Metropolitan Ring, North East Link, Suburban Rail Loop, West Gate Tunnel and Western Victoria needs thriving and Rail Plan projects. Existing and developing regional transport strategies will deliver comprehensive advice on future sustainable communities transport infrastructure opportunities. outside the CBD. Developing strong transport linkages across and throughout precincts will create vibrant job corridors and precincts, promote collaboration, increase innovation and build a powerful NWM region for the future.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 15 Eight priority precincts

1 2

Broadmeadows Cloverton/Beveridge (Metropolitan Activity Centre) (planned Metropolitan Activity Centre) Cloverton/Beveridge (formerly known as Lockerbie) is located Broadmeadows is located 16 km from the Melbourne CBD, 9 km 38 km from the CBD, 26 km from Melbourne Airport and is a from Melbourne Airport and is the civic centre of Hume LGA. future commercial and industrial centre in the Hume, Whittlesea Hume’s current population (2016) is 207,041; the population in and Mitchell LGAs. It is strategically located near both the Hume 2036 will be 345,942, an increase of 138,901. The main local Freeway and the national standard gauge freight and passenger industries (by jobs) are Transport Postal and Warehousing, rail line linking Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Home to Manufacturing, Retail, Construction, and Education and Training. Merrifield, one of the fastest growing mixed-use communities It has a major hospital presence in Northern Health and is in Victoria, it has significant industrial land. The planned Outer the home of Kangan Institute Broadmeadows campus, Hume Metropolitan Ring transport corridor route passes through Multiversity, Magistrates’ Court and the Department of Justice this precinct. as well as a regional office of the NDIA. Key projects include the planned Beveridge Intermodal Freight Key local issues and opportunities Terminal, planned public hospital, planned TAFE campus and planned Outer Metropolitan Ring transport corridor.

Key local issues and opportunities • food and other manufacturing strengths • presence of major health and education assets • need for more local jobs • junction of Hume Freeway, Outer • heavy commuting load Metropolitan Ring and Inland Rail • social disadvantage • transport linkages not keeping up with • lack of white-collar employment opportunities industry and population growth • underinvestment in Broadmeadows Station. • heavy daily commuting load of local employees.

16 North & West Melbourne 3 4

Cobblebank Epping (Metropolitan Activity Centre) (Metropolitan Activity Centre) Cobblebank is 36 km from the CBD, within the Melton LGA. Epping is located 19 km from the CBD, 16 km from Melbourne The 2016 population in the City of Melton was 141,422 rising Airport and is an emerging commercial and industrial centre in to 332,051 by 2036, an increase of 190,629. Planning and the Whittlesea LGA. Whittlesea’s current population (2016) is development of the regionally significant Cobblebank MAC 207,058; the population in 2036 will be 356,350, an increase is underway and will include the new 24-hour Melton Public of 149,292. The main local industries (by jobs) are Retail, Health, Hospital, justice precinct, sports precinct, university and TAFE Logistics, Manufacturing, Construction and Accommodation/ education, civic buildings, commercial office space, residential Food. The region hosts growing subsectors of manufacturing accommodation and 70,000 sqm of retail space. Cobblebank (food and caravans). It has a major hospital presence in Northern will feature 20,000 dwellings, a population of around 55,000 Health and its associated Northern Centre for Health and and approximately 22,000 jobs. Education Research, two proposed private hospitals, allied health (DPV Health) and is the home of Melbourne Polytechnic The Cobblebank MAC, together with the Western Intermodal Epping campus. Other key job generators are the Melbourne Freight Precinct, will support significant investment attraction Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market and Pacific Epping. A key to increase employment and address local issues. spine is the Hume Freeway. Key local issues and opportunities Key local issues and opportunities

• significant investment attraction opportunities • presence of Melbourne Market, Northern Health, • need for increased hospital, health and human education and Hume Freeway services for the growing population • transport linkages not keeping up with industry growth • local jobs required for local residents - • heavy daily commuting load of local employees 73 per cent of workers commute outside the LGA • location of railway station not central to future • youth unemployment, with 11 per cent disengaged employment hub. from work (v 7.5 per cent for Greater Melbourne) • significant areas of social disadvantage (four suburbs below 950 SEIFA).

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 17 Eight priority precincts

5 6

Footscray La Trobe (National Employment (State Priority Precinct) and Innovation Cluster) Footscray is located 6 km west of the CBD, is adjacent to the The La Trobe NEIC is a high-level activity centre for knowledge- Port of Melbourne in Maribyrnong LGA and is the civic centre based activity in NWM, making it crucial for regional productivity of Maribyrnong LGA. Maribyrnong’s current population (2016) and employment growth. The La Trobe NEIC is anchored by is 86,942; the population in 2036 will be 147,464, an increase La Trobe University (Bundoora campus) and the Heidelberg of 60,522. A total of 77 per cent of local residents commute to medical precinct – the two key hi-tech/knowledge-based cores. work. The main local industries (by jobs) are Health, Professional, It also includes Northland Urban Renewal Precinct, Heidelberg Education, Accommodation/Food and Public Administration. West Business Park, Northland Activity Centre and Heidelberg Footscray is home to the headquarters of Western Health and Activity Centre. Victoria University as well as Footscray Hospital. Vital to the La Trobe NEIC is La Trobe University’s $5billion The Defence Site Maribyrnong is a significant parcel of University City of the Future plan and enabling transport Commonwealth land that has potential for major inner urban infrastructure. This plan, which will involve significant investment renewal opportunities, while central Footscray needs to be over the next 10 years on Bundoora campus, includes education redefined and redeveloped. In particular, there needs to be facilities, health facilities, housing, a new town centre, sports park, transport links between Footscray Station and the hospital– research and innovation precinct, an environmental corridor university precinct. and green spaces for student and community amenity, and better transport links. It is expected to create 20,000+ new jobs, Key local issues and opportunities provide additional on-campus housing for 12,000 residents and contribute $3.5billion in GRP.

• capturing the local employment and education Key local issues and opportunities benefits of development of the new public hospital and the co-location with Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus • major education, health, industry and retail assets • opportunity to build on a vibrant community • creation of higher value jobs and and arts culture supporting local industry • noise/pollution associated with port and the • inadequate transport linkages expected growth of container traffic, but this is • poor health outcomes and social disadvantage. expected to reduce considerably after the West Gate Tunnel opens in 2023.

18 North & West Melbourne 7 8

Sunshine Werribee (National Employment (State Priority Precinct) and Innovation Cluster) Sunshine is located 12 km from the CBD, 12 km south of Located 32 km south-west of the CBD, 38 km from Geelong Melbourne Airport, is adjacent to the Western Significant and accommodating the civic centre of Wyndham LGA, Industrial Precinct and is the civic centre of Brimbank LGA. Werribee connects Melbourne and Geelong. Wyndham’s current Brimbank’s current population (2016) is 204,190; the population population (2016) is 227,008 and the population in 2036 will in 2036 will be 244,500, an increase of 40,310. The main local be 459,216, an increase of 232,208 or 11,610 per year. The industries (by jobs) are Retail, Health, Logistics, Construction, main local industries (by jobs) are Retail, Logistics, Education, Manufacturing and Accommodation/Food. It has the Sunshine Health and Manufacturing. There is no major public hospital and Health and Wellbeing Precinct, the Sunshine Hospital and the limited higher education facilities. It is the home of the Werribee Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, led by Western Tourism Precinct including the Werribee Park and Mansion and Health, and is the home of Victoria University Polytechnic. expanding Werribee Open Range Zoo. Planned future projects include the A-League Stadium (a public private partnership with The Sunshine Priority Precinct includes the Sunshine Health opportunities for significant value capture) and enhancement Wellbeing and Education Precinct, Sunshine NEIC, Sunshine of the Refuse Disposal Facility as a centre for innovative Metropolitan Activity Centre, St Albans Major Activity Centre environmental recycling (possibly including a waste to energy and Victoria University. With investment in the Melbourne Airport project) and green jobs. Rail Link, the Western Rail Plan and the Suburban Rail Loop, the creation of a Sunshine Super Hub will be a major catalyst for The heavy commuting load imposes long delays and heavy improved transport connectivity within and beyond NWM. All pressure on transport routes. Potential arising from the East service sector facilities need to grow: education, health, legal, Werribee Employment Precinct is yet to be realised. All service business and professional. sector facilities need to grow: education, health, legal, financial, business and professional. Key local issues and opportunities Key local issues and opportunities

• opportunity for expanded range of businesses and greater range of housing stock, building on the • unlocking the potential of the East Werribee Sunshine Super Hub Employment Precinct • need significantly more local jobs for residents • need significantly more local jobs for local residents • heavy commuting load, with 68 per cent of local • heavy commuting load – 62 per cent of local employees commuting every day employees commute every day. • social disadvantage – index 921 (v average of 1000) • insufficient recreation facilities, open space and canopy cover • land contamination issues need to be addressed.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 19 Transformative projects

A raft of major intergenerational infrastructure projects are either commenced, committed to or being planned across all levels of government. Together, these projects will deliver an unprecedented level of investment in the region, providing the stimulus for further job creation and economic investment opportunities.

Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal Epping Innovation and The Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal is a major freight Food Export Hub precinct that will play a significant role in delivering efficiencies The Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower in freight movement, ease traffic congestion and unlock Market at Epping has an adjoining 51-hectare site available job opportunities for the rapidly expanding community to develop a 21st century food cluster. The cluster will be across northern metropolitan Melbourne. It will also maximise a food manufacturing, distribution and research hub, in line productivity in Australia’s freight network and encourage with identification of the growing food and beverage industry additional investment in this important growth corridor. as a distinctive regional competitive strength of the North. Its construction is crucial to the Inland Rail project.

Broadmeadows Revitalisation La Trobe University City of the Future Revitalisation of the Broadmeadows Town Centre will address Redevelopment underlying disadvantage, reverse underinvestment and meet The La Trobe University City of the Future will create 20,000+ the need for increased manufacturing in food and health post- new jobs, education facilities for 40,000+ students, housing COVID-19. Unlocking the development capacity of strategic sites for 12,000 and $3.5billion in GRP over the next decade. may realise 1500 new jobs. It includes commercial development It involves starting the Suburban Rail Loop project sooner of Hume Central, redevelopment of Broadmeadows Station and and implementing a short-to-medium term Mass Rapid Transit an Advanced Manufacturing Centre for Assistive Technology. solution to mimic the Suburban Rail Loop route. Central to redevelopment is a transformed Research and Innovation Precinct, comprising priority projects. East Werribee Employment Precinct The precinct is home to research organisations, medical facilities, advanced manufacturing and educational organisations and Melbourne Airport Rail Link has significant potential as an employment, technology and The Melbourne Airport Rail Link is a transformation of Victoria’s educational hub. It comprises 775 hectares of predominantly transport network, connecting Melbourne Airport with a rail greenfield land for mixed-use city development. Development service for the first time. The Victorian Government has selected here will take pressure off Melbourne’s infrastructure and provide the Sunshine Route as its preferred course. Development of the opportunities for the more than half a million residents projected detailed business case is now underway, with the project set to to be living in Wyndham by 2040. begin construction by 2022 and take up to nine years.

20 North & West Melbourne Melbourne Metro 2 Outer Metropolitan Ring The Melbourne Metro 2 tunnel will add capacity to the The Outer Metropolitan Ring Transport Corridor/E6 will be a Mernda, Hurstbridge and Werribee lines, necessary to cater 100 kilometre long high-speed transport link for people and for population growth and use. It will link the northern suburbs freight. It will create better connections to key international to Fishermans Bend and Newport, through to Altona North transport hubs such as Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport, and Sunshine using existing freight lines, and connect the the Port of Geelong and the proposed Beveridge Intermodal Werribee and Mernda lines. The Melbourne Metro 2 tunnel Freight Terminal and Western Intermodal Freight Precinct. will also enable the Lalor to Wollert rail extension. A business case has been co-funded by state and Commonwealth governments. New Footscray Hospital and Footscray University Town Suburban Rail Loop This health and education precinct will include a new $1.5billion The Suburban Rail Loop is a new underground rail link 504-bed public hospital (to be operated by Western Health), connecting Melbourne’s middle suburbs. It will include new create 2000 ongoing jobs, and align with the Footscray stations and connect major railway lines from the Frankston University Town initiative between Victoria University and the line to the Werribee line via Melbourne Airport. The project Maribyrnong City Council, which will deliver a smart, creative will connect Melbourne’s middle suburbs to priority growth and vibrant multicultural community in Footscray. precincts, and is set to commence build in the south-eastern suburbs.

New Melton Hospital Building a 24-hour, cutting edge major public hospital in West Gate Tunnel Melton will improve health outcomes and quality of life for The West Gate Tunnel Project will give Melbourne a second one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities and the broader freeway link between the West and the city. Construction is region. Located within the Cobblebank MAC, the Melton underway, with the new road opening in 2023. Currently more Hospital will be managed by Western Health and be a catalyst than 200,000 vehicles a day rely on the West Gate Bridge. The for a major health and education precinct with both public project will end reliance on the Bridge by building a new tunnel and private hospital services. and new links to the Port of Melbourne, CityLink and the CBD.

New Outer North Hospital Western Intermodal Freight Precinct The major public hospitals within the North are at capacity The Western Intermodal Freight Precinct will dramatically and the Northern Hospital is undergoing significant pressure improve efficiencies in local, national and international freight from population growth. Hospital beds available in the North movement by bringing national warehouse and freight precincts are well below the standards of provision for eastern and closer to freight terminals and industry. It will reduce the number southern regions. A new major public hospital is required of trucks and trains required to transport interstate freight into to address high demand. Port Melbourne, reduce congestion and attract investment to this major industrial precinct. Its construction is crucial to the Inland Rail project. North East Link North East Link is the biggest road transport project in Victoria’s history, fixing the missing link in Melbourne’s Western Rail Plan freeway network. Up to 135,000 vehicles will use North East The need for a fast, high capacity rail network to service Link every day, reducing congestion in the north-east while the rapidly growing West and regional cities will include two maintaining local roads for local trips. electrified metropolitan rail lines in Melton and Wyndham Vale, with increased capacity between Sunshine and the CBD to cater for faster and more frequent metropolitan and regional trains. Project staging is being considered and will be incorporated alongside Melbourne Airport Rail Link planning.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 21 Enabling projects

Project name Themes Description

Airport Rail East – This involves commencement of the Suburban Rail Loop project at same time as Suburban Rail south-east and west regions, and implementation of a short-to-medium term Mass Rapid Loop/Mass Rapid Transit solution (fast buses) to mimic the Suburban Rail Loop route. Predictions are that Transit Solution this early connection will deliver $11million in economic benefit and 11,000 jobs.

BioInnovation This La Trobe University Hub will provide early development through to full-scale testing and Sustainable to enable growth and evolution of the NWM food industry, focusing on ‘food for health’. AgriFoods Hub It will include food pilot plants, product development labs, co-working and flexible spaces alongside an incubator, accelerator and other entrepreneurial programs and activities.

Broadmeadows Revitalisation of the Broadmeadows Town Centre will unlock employment and education Revitalisation opportunities. This includes redevelopment of Broadmeadows Station, affordable Enablers housing, business and commercial development, and a new Advanced Manufacturing Centre for Assistive Technology. The Kangan Institute (TAFE) Broadmeadows campus redevelopment is closely aligned to this project.

Brunswick The Brunswick Design District is a partnership between Moreland Council, RMIT Design University and Creative Victoria to position Brunswick as a nationally significant hub for District creative industries and design professions. Vital for enterprise development, creative and social activity, 33 Saxon Street and 420 Victoria Street Brunswick are ripe for investment.

Digital A new La Trobe University Digital Innovation Hub will offer local SMEs, start-ups and Innovation corporates solutions to real-world problems and transform companies. Focused on Hub AgTech, Digital Health and CleanTech, it will foster industry partnerships with world-class research expertise across internet of things, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and digital networks.

Electrification This project will provide essential transport services to Wallan as it rapidly becomes of the North a suburban centre within Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary. The current service East Line to Wallan is insufficient to support Wallan’s population now, and will come under more pressure. The project will also ensure appropriate and sufficient public transport access for the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal.

Eltham This project includes improved pedestrian facilities, traffic management measures, Congestion improvements to the Eltham railway station bus interchange and improved car parking Busters management, unlocking mobility and connectivity in the highly mobile outer north-east which currently does not have direct access to La Trobe University.

Energy Park Energy Park includes former Sunshine Landfills centrally located in the Priority Precinct. Regional A Master Plan is required to ensure this significant land is fit for purpose to develop a Sports Facility regional sports precinct. It is a major driver for jobs, tourism and innovation as value creation and capture associated with the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

22 North & West Melbourne Transport and Future Health and Liveability Economy Connectivity Wellbeing

Project name Themes Description

Essendon Fields/ The Victorian Planning Authority identified Airport West and Essendon Fields as a Airport West key aviation, technology and employment precinct. It generates significant employment Improved and economic opportunities for NWM. Strong population growth is forecast, yet the Connectivity area around Airport West is a rail transport black hole and improved connectivity is urgently required.

Flemington A new Hub is required to replace the ageing Flemington Community Centre and Debneys Community Hub Park Sports Pavilion. A community hall, exhibition space, kitchen, training rooms, offices, artroom and sport pavilion space will provide access for youth and older people, offering a welcoming place for diverse communities and cultures.

Footscray Library, Development of a landmark civic building will cater to the future needs of a diverse Community and population by providing cultural, learning and social spaces in a welcoming, accessible Cultural Hub – NeXT and technologically advanced building. Currently, the West does not have a substantial (500+) community performance venue.

Greening the North Greening the North involves the greening of space, including trees along streets, parks and gardens, sports/recreation grounds, areas of indigenous/natural vegetation, waterways and highway verges. Urban greening will bring high impact results – environmentally, economically and crucially, for the health and wellbeing of residents.

Greening the West Expansion of the Greening the West strategy will deliver positive health outcomes, enhanced liveability and increased environmental benefits across Melbourne’s West, which currently has only 4.2 per cent canopy cover, compared with a Melbourne average of 15 per cent. Green spaces have proven benefits for the environment and health.

Greensborough Station This redevelopment includes a significant, fully accessible bus interchange to facilitate Redevelopment trunk and last mile connections to the new station (linking to the La Trobe NEIC).

Health, Sports The new Footscray Hospital offers an opportunity for development of a Health, Sports and Active Living and Active Living Innovation Hub between Victoria University and Western Health. It will Innovation Hub offer start-up development and support, assist Western Health to identify innovative solutions to problems and help staff to develop significant ideas for improvement.

Hobsons Bay To continue meeting community need, protection works at regionally accessible coastal Foreshore areas are required. Immediate risks include the degradation of beaches and foreshore Infrastructure areas through loss of sand and foreshore edge erosion, flooding of public infrastructure and private assets in low lying areas, and flash flooding due to drainage systems overload.

Hobsons Bay This state-of-the-art centre will provide community recreation and education close Wetlands and to internationally recognised wetlands and biodiversity hotspots that contribute Biodiversity Centre significantly to social, economic and environmental values. It will encourage the community to understand and enjoy foreshore areas and contribute to economic growth by providing jobs in health, recreation, education and tourism.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 23 Enabling projects

Project name Themes Description

Hume Freeway Improved interchanges between the Hume Freeway and major arterial roads will be Diamond a catalyst to unlock significant development within the northern urban growth boundary, Interchanges improving residential accessibility. Diamond interchanges at Watson Street, Camerons Lane and Gunns Gully Road are priorities and a new Hume Freeway interchange at English Street is required.

Irving Street Footscray is a major transport hub, being Melbourne’s busiest suburban train station Interchange and and second busiest for bus movements. A central Footscray bus terminal that is well Paisley Street integrated with train services and enhances city design is required, as is consolidation Improvements of bus stops in a new Footscray Transport Interchange in Irving Street.

Kangan Institute This project, at Broadmeadows campus, creates two Centres of Excellence to train (TAFE) Campus critical trades workforces, particularly plumbing and electrical, as well as healthcare, Redevelopment aged and disability care. A new campus, possibly at Melbourne Airport, will serve the growing needs of specialist training for servicing electric and heavy vehicles.

La Trobe NEIC Connectivity enhancement will bring the La Trobe NEIC alive, unlocking education and Enablers employment opportunities. This includes links from Heidelberg Suburban Rail Loop station to Repatriation Hospital and Northland, construction of Watsonia multideck carpark, Macleod Station shuttle to La Trobe University, road improvements and bicycle links.

Maygar Barracks Maygar Barracks in Broadmeadows is a significant parcel of Commonwealth Government Redevelopment owned land. As part of a NWM City Deal, re-investment into this site to facilitate housing including affordable and social housing (not the core focus), commercial and industrial development will derive significant economic benefits for its communities.

Melbourne Centre Home to Victoria University’s School for Civil Construction and Transport Systems, this for Civil Construction centre in Werribee will include research and training facilities, and a large enterprise hub for construction, engineering and transport businesses to co-locate. By attracting expertise and talent to these areas, it will create a highly specialised and competitive industry cluster.

Melbourne Innovation Melbourne Innovation Centre’s Alphington site, an old Council depot, urgently needs Centre Redevelopment capital works to become fit for purpose. Firms that participate in an incubator program typically report its significance in aiding business survival, particularly through periods of market disruption and in nurturing growth. This project can align with La Trobe University’s Digital Innovation Hub.

Mitchell Institute This institute at Victoria University will specialise in geographic distribution of jobs within Centre for Jobs major cities to secure better employment outcomes. It will analyse the future of work, and Skills locations and skills required, with potential to develop employment clusters closer to where Australians live. This will support NWM to recover from the COVID-19 recession.

24 North & West Melbourne Transport and Future Health and Liveability Economy Connectivity Wellbeing

Project name Themes Description

Moonee Ponds The Moonee Ponds population will increase by close to 45 per cent by 2041. Moonee and Essendon North Ponds Junction is the third-worst site for pedestrian crashes in Victoria and an upgrade Intersection Upgrades is required to improve public transport and pedestrian connectivity. Upgrade is also required at Mount Alexander and Lincoln Roads in Essendon North.

New A-League Wyndham City Stadium is a 15,000-seat football stadium, the future home of Western Stadium Value United FC, to be built in Tarneit. Development is being undertaken by Western Melbourne Capture Group and Wyndham City Council. Residential and commercial development is planned for the surrounding area, representing a significant value capture opportunity.

North and West The Hub gives businesses an opportunity to harness student skills, analyse data they Melbourne Data collect and use that data to build business capability. University and TAFE students Analytics Hub matched to organisations through the Hub stretch each client business into a new Expansion direction. This project can align with La Trobe University’s Digital Innovation Hub.

North Arterial The Bulla Bypass will relieve pressure on Sunbury Road, connect Melbourne Airport to Roads Package the Outer Metropolitan Ring, and improve connectivity between Sunbury and precincts. Further duplication of Somerton Road will relieve congestion while duplication of Mickleham Road is important to connect new residents to Melbourne Airport and the Tullamarine Freeway.

North West Health The Alliance of education, training and service delivery partners (La Trobe University) and Wellbeing will train future and upskill existing healthcare workers. It will offer student placements, Alliance internships, graduate employment and new jobs. The Alliance can also model and track regional economic and health impacts of COVID-19 and identify opportunities for economic activity.

Northern Centre for The Centre is a partnership between Northern Health, universities and government Health and Education focused on innovative teaching and research for health professionals. New programs Research Enhancement will counter regional chronic health problems (such as obesity and diabetes) through telehealth and digital health, allowing patients to manage their health at home with the aid of data analytics.

Northern Aligned with Northern Regional Trails, a Cultural Trails initiative will coherently link tourism Cultural Trails product and help revive the visitor economy, for example promoting connections between attractions such as Montsalvat, La Trobe University Sculpture Park, Bundoora Homestead, Emu Bottom and more.

Northern Maribyrnong These planned major inner urban renewal opportunities with community and transport and Defence Site infrastructure will support the creation of jobs and housing. Defence Site Maribyrnong is Maribyrnong a significant parcel of Commonwealth Government-owned land. Re-investment to facilitate housing (including affordable and social housing), commercial and industrial development will derive significant economic benefits for communities.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 25 Enabling projects

Project name Themes Description

Northern Adopted by northern Councils in 2016, the Northern Regional Trails Strategy will Regional Trails provide a connected, functional off-road network with regional-scale economic, social and environmental value. Implementation of the network will deliver combined benefits valued at $159–$250million over the first 12 months.

Northern Upgrade of the Northern Highway will improve vital connectivity between the Hume Highway Upgrade Freeway and the rapidly growing township of Wallan, easing increasing congestion and promoting more efficient movement within the Northern Urban Growth Boundary. The upgrade is key to unlocking the connection between Wallan and any future development of the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal.

Route 86 Tram Extension of tram route 86 to South Morang Station will unlock study and employment Extension opportunities for outer northern residents. It will improve public transport access to significant education, employment and service hubs. Mernda train service users will be able to transfer to a high capacity tram service at South Morang.

Scienceworks the Scienceworks, part of Museums Victoria, administers cultural, scientific and technological National Science collections, hosting around 505,000 visits annually. It has potential to grow into a Museum state-of-the-art multimedia technology and education precinct of national significance. The vision includes an upgraded and expanded museum, a STEM school, a university, a TAFE and an industry partner.

St Albans Health The Hub will become the active and preventative health precinct for the western region, and Wellbeing Hub strategically located in the vicinity of the Sunshine Precinct and linked with Sunshine Hospital. Stage 1 will create a minimum of 100 construction jobs and 120 ongoing jobs, and generate one million visitors per year.

Sustainability Futures A Sustainability Futures Centre at Victoria University’s Werribee campus will progress Centre sustainable development initiatives, supporting local industries and businesses to compete in the global market. Housed in a green star building exemplifying the latest in sustainable building design, it will focus on the waste, water, energy, food and built environment sectors.

Sustainability Project The Sustainability Project, a Victoria University initiative, will focus on local planetary health issues and provide an opportunity for enhanced educational, environmental, conservation and Indigenous cultural outcomes, as well as offering a new eco-tourism opportunity for the region.

Upfield Rail Project This project will resolve a number of transport issues in the North. The track extension project and connection to the Craigieburn railway line will address capacity constraints on the Craigieburn Line and provide future capacity for residents in growth areas, while enabling direct access to RMIT University and employment hubs.

26 North & West Melbourne Transport and Future Health and Liveability Economy Connectivity Wellbeing

Project name Themes Description

West Footscray With all recreation facilities in Maribyrnong currently at capacity, population Community Facilities growth presents a real challenge. An opportunity exists to develop an interconnected Plan – RecWest community, sport and recreation precinct for continued growth of existing clubs and Redevelopment organisations, and a place of inclusion and wellbeing for the local community.

Western Aquatic and A new aquatic centre in Altona Meadows will meet the needs of residents and encourage Leisure Centre a healthy, active and connected community, providing a place to build social networks and connections. Duplication of Central Avenue and improvement of the Point Cook Road and Princes Freeway interchange will support access to the Centre.

Western Business The Western BACE is a co-working space and business accelerator for start-up Accelerator and Centre businesses. With a successful business model to assist businesses in their early of Excellence Expansion growth phase, the opportunity exists to provide additional co-working space and meeting rooms supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Western Highway The Western Highway in Melton is a critical arterial road link and economic driver Upgrade at a metropolitan, state and national level. Funding is required to upgrade the Western Highway to an urban freeway standard with additional lanes and interchanges to enable efficient freight movements from the Western Intermodal Freight Precinct and reduce congestion.

Western Metropolitan The West Trails Strategy is an initiative to improve connectivity, quality and usage of Regional Trails – regional trails for pedestrians and cyclists across Melbourne’s West and into the North. West Trails Implementation of the network needs to continue over the next five years to provide multiple transport, health, economic and environmental benefits.

Westlink Ison Road Westlink, a continuous road link through one of Australia’s fastest growing areas, Bridge will help to support significant population growth. It will relieve significant current and future congestion and provide access to future employment hubs within and near the Werribee Junction Precinct.

Whitten Oval This redevelopment will provide new facilities for the Western Bulldogs AFLW team, Redevelopment a refurbished entry and café, expanded community meeting spaces, a new museum, an expanded performance centre, new seating and standing areas, a match day pavilion, and provision for a playground, running circuit and walking trails, all with community access.

Wollert Rail A link from Lalor train station to the Epping MAC precinct and the rapidly-growing communities of Epping North and Wollert, home to almost 95,000 residents by 2040, will provide access to inner North jobs and education and Epping’s Northern Health, private health, retail and Melbourne Market.

Wyndham Refuse The Refuse Disposal Facility is one of four major metropolitan landfills. It will be Disposal Facility developed as a precinct for green jobs development and as a Waste Management Centre of Excellence. The goal is to move away from traditional landfill to a resource and energy recovery operation.

City Deal Plan 2020-2040 27 Enquiries [email protected] nwmcitydeal.org.au

28 North & West Melbourne Maribyrnong City Council supporting document for Submission to the Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Standing Advisory Committee

Air Quality and Aircraft Noise

Air Quality

According to the Victorian Government’s planning website Airports and Planning: Planning decisions need to address potential issues in the immediate vicinity of airports, and their broader environs. These include: • Noise • Protected airspace • Wildlife strikes • Lighting distractions to pilots • Wind turbines • Building generated windshear / turbulence.1

There is no reference to one of the major pollution problems at international airports around the world – air pollution. The only reference to air pollution is in the Community Consultation Report. The Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Standing Advisory Committee (MAESSAC) do not appear to have any member with air quality experience or knowledge, which we believe is an oversight, given the seriousness of the problem identified at other airports around the world.

According to the Melbourne Airport Master Plan 20182, Melbourne Airport has been monitoring air quality within the airport boundary since 2013. An air quality impact assessment was carried out in 2016-17 to investigate the effects of ground-based activities on the surrounding environment and compliance with relevant legislation. When compared with national and Victorian air quality standards, it was reported that the data showed that key air pollutants do not represent a significant air quality issue for Melbourne Airport. It appears that no monitoring has been done outside the airport boundaries and there was no reference to the effects of aircraft pollutants outside the airport boundary. No monitoring data or figures were available in the report.

There have been a number of studies citing that air pollution from airports can cause serious health problems for people living and working within a 16km radius of an international airport.

Los Angeles International Airport has been identified as the largest source of carbon monoxide (CO) in the state of California. Over one million airplane hours per year spent idling on runways has been found to cause significantly high levels of local ambient air pollution. Areas adjacent to and downwind from airports within a 10km radius appear to be most affected by the pollution, with children and the elderly most impacted. In their study Airports, Air Pollution, and Contemporaneous Health (2012)3, Schlenker and Walker ‘estimate that a single standard deviation increase in daily

1 Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning; Planning Policies and Initiatives; Airports and Planning https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/airports-and-planning 2 Melbourne Airport master Plan 2018, https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Corporate/Planning- projects/Master-plan 3Schlenker, W., Walker, R., 2012, Airports, Air Pollution, and Contemporaneous Health http://faculty.haas.berkeley.edu/rwalker/research/SchlenkerWalker_Airports_2012.pdf#:~:text=Airports%2CA

1 pollution levels is responsible for at least $1 million per day in hospitalization costs for respiratory and heart related admissions for the 6 million people living within 10 km of one of the twelve largest airports in California.’

The findings suggested that ‘relatively small amounts of ambient air pollution, far below current CO ambient air quality standards, can have substantial effects on the incidence of local respiratory illness.’

A further study conducted in 20144 found that aircraft exhaust emissions could be harming communities up to 16km downwind from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The comprehensive research found that take-offs and landings at LAX are a major source of ultrafine particles. The research concluded that the level of emissions were equal to the emissions from the freeway network covering the county.

The report concluded that the airport emissions are a major source of ultrafine particulates (PN), black carbon (BC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and the impact areas of major airports may have been seriously underestimated. There was a 2-fold increase in PN at 16km downwind of the airport and a 4-5 fold increase at 8-10kms. The results were stated to be ‘very alarming’ by the Professor of Epidemiology at the University of California.

The study also found that aircraft landings produced ultrafine particles (UFP) pollution roughly equivalent to LA’s freeway network and there were elevated levels of UFPs along aircraft pathways. UFPs or PM1 are not currently measured in Australia.

The City of Maribyrnong lies approximately 10kms south of the Melbourne airport. Prevailing winds in the area are northerlies in winter and southerlies in summer.

Air pollution is disproportionately spread across the Melbourne metropolitan area, and it is generally worse in the inner west than elsewhere. A growing population and increasing urban density, industrial activity and commuter traffic, including future increases in Port of Melbourne activity, will cause the adverse health and amenity impacts on the inner west community to significantly deteriorate.

According to Environmental Justice Australia, Yarraville and Brooklyn are Victoria’s air pollution ‘hot spots’, ranking seventh and eighth in Australia for air pollution concentrations.i5

A recent report, Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West6, commissioned by the Victorian State Government and comprised of representatives from the community, local councils and community groups, found a significant deterioration in air quality in the Inner West of Melbourne. Proximity to the Port of Melbourne, with the associated truck traffic, and major dust issues in Brooklyn, are major contributors to the poor air quality in the region. The incidence of lung disease affecting the 20-30 year age group, who have never smoked, was on the rise with the majority of cases living in the inner west. Exposure to various airborne pollutants was cited as a serious risk factor.

ir%20Pollution%2C%20and%20Contemporaneous%20Health%20Abstract%20Network%20delays,turn%20incre ases%20daily%20pollution%20levels%20around%20California%20airports. 4 Hudda, N., Gould, T., Hartin, K., Larson, T., Fruin, S., Environ. Sci. Technol. 2014, 48, 12, 6628-6635 https://doi.org/10.1021/es5001566 5 Environmental Justice Australia ‘How to learn more about air pollution where you live’ https://www.envirojustice.org.au/our-work/community/air-pollution/hows-your-air/ 6 Report: Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West: taking direct action to reduce our community’s exposure https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/inner-west-air-quality-reference-group

The report noted that people who live and work in the inner west experience health problems associated with air pollution at a higher rate than the general Australian population. These include higher rates of hospitalisation for heart failure, asthma and heart disease, and a higher incidence of lung cancer. These problems cannot be fully explained by factors such as socio-economic status, smoking rates, obesity levels and age profiles, and air pollution is likely an important contributory factor.

There has been no air monitoring undertaken in any of the municipalities bordering the airport, particularly those that lie directly under the path of the north/south runway. The planned additional north/south runway will have the propensity to not only double the air traffic over Maribyrnong, but also increase the ground level pollution coming from increased airport activity. Given the overseas studies, which clearly indicate downwind air pollution problems, strategically placed monitoring stations must be positioned in suburbs downwind of the airport to ascertain the levels of pollution generated by the airport activities.

The State Planning Policy for Air Quality Management 13.06-1S states:

Ensure, wherever possible, that there is suitable separation between land uses that reduce air amenity and sensitive land uses.

Aircraft Noise

A study conducted in 2008 found that exposure to aircraft noise in residential areas is associated with an increased incidence of hypertension7.

Researchers have also found that dying from a heart attack was more common with increased exposure to aircraft noise8.

High levels of aircraft noise have also been associated with increased risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease, according to a study at Heathrow Airport in London9.

Another study found that schools in close proximity to Heathrow Airport were more likely to experience overheating and poor air quality due to aircraft noise, resulting in a negative impact on children’s learning capabilities10.

7 Health consequences of aircraft noise, 2008, Kaltenbach, M., Maschke, C., Klinke, R., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696954/ 8 Is living under a flight path bad for the heart? Reuters Health, 2010. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-flight-path-idUSTRE6974YK20101008 9 Aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease near Heathrow airport in London: small area study https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f5432 10 Aircraft noise, overheating and poor air quality in classrooms in London primary schools, 2012, Montazami, A., Wilson, M., Nicol, F. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132311004094