Call for jobs growth in outer suburbs

A Deakin University researcher has called on the State and Federal Governments to focus their efforts on stimulating employment growth in suburban corridors rather than creating more dormitory suburbs.

Ameeta Jain, a researcher in regional development, an Associate Lecturer with Deakin University's School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, believes the economic boom experienced by outer suburban areas such as the City of Casey may not be sustainable.

"The City of Casey is one of the fastest growing local government regions in Victoria. In the next decade the population of Casey with a current population of 235,000 (approx) is expected to reach 350,000 by 2031, as big as Canberra is today. Yet my research* shows this growth is population driven and may not be sustainable for Casey in the long-term.

"63% of Casey's workforce stated that they did not work in Casey in the 2006 Census. This imposes a big load on infrastructure, it contributes to a loss of community, but more importantly the money they spend is lost to Casey as it is spent outside."

"Manufacturing currently employs 20% of Casey's workforce. Of the other sectors, retail employs 13%, construction 9%, health care and assistance 8% and wholesale 7% of the workforce. However this is data for the residents of Casey.

"Retail provides 17% of the jobs in Casey, positions that are traditionally low paid and do not create a multiplier effect. For that you need more broad-based employment such as manufacturing or the service industry providing value added services or exporting outside the City of Casey. Unless broad-based employment is created locally there is a risk that these suburbs will become nothing more than dormitory suburbs where people come to live and sleep."

ABS (2006) data shows that in the period 1996-2001 Casey experienced population growth of 32,605 (4.0%) and in 2001-2006, of 40,674 (4.1%). For the same periods growth Melton grew by 12,218 (5.4%) and 28,081 (8.9%); Wyndham by 10,902 (2.7%) and 28,860 (5.9%); and the City of Melbourne by 10,957 (5.0%) and 26,005 (8.6%) respectively. This shows that other local government areas are experiencing a faster rate of growth than Casey."

Ms Jain said the City of Casey was already working on creating more employment in the region. The City of Casey realises that its young will require large numbers of jobs to keep unemployment low in the next decade. The City of Casey is developing Cranbourne West by providing up to 340 hectares for businesses. Yet it needs federal and state government help in attracting the right industries with the right employment.

*Population Driven Development in the City of Casey: Is it Sustainable?"