New Marine Industry Precinct would create 3,000 jobs and boost regional economy
28 June 2019
A dedicated Mornington Peninsula Marine Industry Precinct would generate more than 3,000 year round jobs, enhance innovation and contribute $510 million to the economy, according to a new report commissioned by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
The Mornington Peninsula Marine Industry Precinct Economic Analysis found that the marine industry, which has the potential to drive the regional economy, was scattered across the municipality and unable to reach its full potential because of a shortage of suitably zoned land.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor David Gill said Council had been exploring opportunities to support the growth of the marine industry since 2012.
"The Port of Hastings recently announced that some of the 3,500 hectares currently earmarked for port related use only is surplus to port requirements.
"This creates an unprecedented opportunity for the Shire to seek rezoning of a portion of that land to create a dedicated world class Marine Industry Precinct that will enhance innovation for our community," concluded Cr Gill.
Watson Ward Councillor Julie Morris welcomed the report's release and said "creating local jobs with meaningful career opportunities will ensure our community stays prosperous and healthy. The future jobs lie within our own local businesses, let's support them so they can grow".
Council representative on the Mornington Peninsula Marine Alliance and Cerberus Ward Councillor Kate Roper added "this could be a world-class precinct offering research and development, advanced manufacturing, and training and skills development to the marine sector, right here on the Peninsula".
Mornington Peninsula Marine Alliance Executive Director Shane Murphy said "our region has no more industrial land and our thriving marine sector would have to relocate further away to acquire the land they need for business expansion".
The economic analysis by Arcadis forecast a fully operational Marine Industry Precinct would:
- Create 1,807 direct and 1,556 indirect jobs, ranging from highly skilled advanced engineering roles through to apprenticeships.
- generate more than $510 million in economic activity.
- stimulate new marine industry investment and innovation and create full time, year-round skilled local jobs where they are needed on the Peninsula.
The Mornington Peninsula Marine Industry Precinct Economic Analysis examined a number of potential sites on the Mornington Peninsula for the establishment of a dedicated marine industrial precinct.
A 58 hectare inland site on Bungower Road (West) in Somerville was considered the best available option on the Peninsula due to its land area, proximity to freight corridors, and access to services infrastructure.
The draft report will be placed on public exhibition from 1 – 26 July so that all community members can review the detail of the draft report, ask any questions, and provide feedback on the proposal.
