New board to lead Broadmeadows’ charge to northern ‘powerhouse’:
Suzanne Hewitt, Hume Leader
May 18, 2017
Suburban Development Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, Broadmeadows state MP Frank McGuire and Hume mayor Drew Jessop outside the town hall after announcing the new Broadmeadows Revitalisation Board. Picture: Mark Wilson
BROADMEADOWS will be reborn under a special State Government-appointed board headed by local MP Frank McGuire.
The Broadmeadows Revitalisation Board will advise the government on opportunities and projects capitalising on the suburb’s strengths to attract investment, jobs and training.
“This initiative will help postcodes of disadvantage to again become postcodes of hope by creating opportunities to build smarter, healthier, better connected and sustainable communities,” Mr McGuire said.
Mr McGuire who devised the Postcodes of Hope strategy to make his hometown Melbourne’s “powerhouse of the north”, said the government’s decision to appoint a Broadmeadows revitalisation board had recognised the importance of the area.
“It is real recognition for the community, its vision, plans and advocacy, and an opportunity to drive change,” he said.
“Broadmeadows matters because it symbolises hope and this [the board] will address the issues confronting the community because they have earned it.”
The board was part of a number of initiatives announced by Suburban Development Minister Lily D’Ambrosio last week at the Broadmeadows Town Hall.
The $14.3 million Broadmeadows Revitalisation Project, including the town hall redevelopment approved in last year’s State Budget, is already under way.
Broadmeadows state MP Frank McGuire helps launch the Broadmeadows initiative. Picture: Mark Wilson
Hume mayor Cr Drew Jessop said the council welcomed the new board and the government’s support to enrich the Broadmeadows community.
“Hume City Council thanks the Victorian Government for investing in our long-term vision to transform Broadmeadows into a thriving commercial, industrial and residential hub.
“As a gateway to the northern growth corridor of Melbourne, just 15km and a 30-minute train ride from Melbourne’s CBD, Broadmeadows has exceptional potential to become a vibrant town.”
He said with the government’s contribution of $7 million and $16.2 million from the council towards the redevelopment, the Broadmeadows Town Hall would transform it “into a modern centre for community events and a business hub to support local jobs”.
He said council would get $1 million over the next three years to help jobseekers from Broadmeadows, Meadow Heights and Campbellfield.
Ms D’Ambrosio also announced the government’s new suburban development portfolio, which was created to ensure sustainable growth in Melbourne’s suburbs and establish six “Metropolitan partnerships”.
These partnerships between local government, industry and the community would advise the government on initiatives to attract investment, create jobs and improve liveability.
Mayor Drew Jessop, Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and Frank McGuire MP outside the Broadmeadows Town Hall on Thursday. Picture: Mark Wilson