JUNE 4, 2014 \ WYNDHAM.STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Wyndham looks set to remain mostly blue-collar after both the state government and opposition refused to commit to a move that would create hundreds of white-collar jobs in the area. In an exclusive interview with Star Weekly, opposition leader Daniel Andrews said that if he was elected he would not move a government department to the East Werribee Employment Precinct, as Steve Bracks had done with the TAC in Geelong and Denis Napthine did with VicRoads in Ballarat. “I know there are some people who would be very strongly supportive of that, but it does cost significant amounts,” Mr Andrews said. “I would say to you that an ambulance, when you call for one, a hospital bed when you need one, getting the asbestos out of our schools, building up our health system – those sorts of things, plus public transport, are a bit more important to me.” East Werribee has been touted as a possible site for the creation of more than 50,000 jobs. Advocacy groups have been calling for a government department to be moved to the area to kick-start the process. But Mr Andrews said he would instead focus on the automotive industry. “The western suburbs have
had a pretty tough time of recent years with Ford, Holden and especially Toyota going,” he said. “There’s a big job of work for us to do to make sure that tens of thousands of local families have got a job in the auto supply chain. I don’t want to give up on auto and I don’t want to give up on blue-collar manufacturing jobs”. Asked specifically if the Napthine government would commit to moving a government department to the western suburbs, Planning Minister Matthew Guy chose to avoid the question. “The government has committed $66.5 million for a package of early works at East Werribee, which includes a full diamond interchange with the Princes Freeway, upgrades to Sneydes Road and key intersection upgrades along the Princes Highway,” Mr Guy said. “The government will continue to reinvest proceeds from the development of the site into the early delivery of key infrastructure.” Wyndham mayor Bob Fairclough said the comments were disappointing. “We have and will continue to advocate for the move of government departments to the municipality,” he said. “Most of the successful outer suburban employment precincts in Australia have a significant government services presence, and we would like to see the same commitment.” ■ Daniel Andrews – P 20-21
INSIDE: EXCLUSIVE NEW
Hats off to tea-rific time Nikita (front), Alexis and Dhanish were among pupils at Grange P-12 College who donned their silliest hats last week to raise money for cancer research. Mad Hatters Biggest Morning Teas were held at the school’s primary and secondary campuses. Organised by the school’s coffee and chat parents group, the morning teas raised $1477. Community arts liaison manager Teresa Damjenic says the event “was an outstanding school community effort”.
COLUMN BY BULLDOGS PRESIDENT PETER GORDON
Everyone deserves an amazing smile!
COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTAL CARE
Dr M Lentini - B.D.Sc. (Melb) Mr R Privitelli – Hygienist
• All aspects of general dentistry • Early detection using laser technology • Minimal intervention using no drill air abrasion / microdentistry • Orthodontics tooth whitening • Computerised ceramic crowns & fillings completed in one appointment
9742 6928
• Emergencies seen promptly • New patients welcome • Member of A.D.A. • Accredited by the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry • All stages of Dental Implants from diagnosis to completion
1135754-CG21-14
By Xavier Smerdon
(Joe Mastroianni)
Jobs bid gets cool response
ting Celebra Our In s 25 Year nity! Commu
Ask us about the Free Seminar Your Local All-on-Four Implant Centre 21 Princes Hwy, Werribee
www.lentinidental.com.au • www.dentistwerribee.com.au