Case Studies

Background

The construction of the North East Link (NEL) is a significant road project which completes the M80 ring road around Melbourne.  A major interchange for the NEL is proposed at the location currently occupied by the Bulleen Industrial Precinct which will result in the displacement of all businesses currently operating from within the precinct.

As the largest of only three small pockets of industrial land in the municipality, and no capacity to provide new areas for industrial uses, Manningham was at risk of losing hundreds of local jobs as well as the services that were provided to local residents and businesses.

Project Goals

Manningham City Council required an assessment of the potential economic impact that the displacement of jobs from Bullen Industrial Precinct would have on the local economy. The analysis would be used in discussions with the State government to support rezoning land for industry with the aim of reducing the impact of job losses from the region.

REMPLAN’s Involvement

REMPLAN developed a survey tool that was delivered to businesses operating within the Bulleen Industrial Precinct. Survey data then provided a basis for economic analysis, grounding the impact modelling in the reality of economic conditions that existed in the precinct.

REMPLAN then developed three scenarios that demonstrated the possible extent of job losses from the local economy through direct and indirect effects of displacement of Bulleen Industrial Precinct businesses.

Results

Testing of various scenarios indicated that a strategic response which made suitable land available could potentially see up to 159 fewer direct jobs being lost, and up to 347 jobs once flow on impacts were considered.

In a municipality which already has fewer jobs than working residents, this provided an important evidence-base to support retention of jobs within the municipal area.