By Corey Everitt
A new industrial precinct that may provide up to 3,500 jobs will be made in Pakenham South as the council gives the green light to the necessary infrastructure.
In their general meeting on Monday 15 May, Cardinia Shire Council approved an amendment to the Cardinia Planning Scheme to add the Pakenham South Employment Infrastructure Contributions Plan (ICP).
An ICP is the scheme to which the Council approves and funds the necessary infrastructure on behalf of a proposed development of a property.
The amended ICP will be sent to the State Minister for Planning where final approval of the council’s decision will be decided.
If approval is granted, 185 hectares of land will be developed for industry situated in the south of Pakenham.
Specifically, the area is sequestered within Greenhills Road for the northern border, McGregor Road to the west, Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road to the east and Green Wedge land for the south.
The land will extend the already existing industry of Pakenham south of the Princes Freeway, as the council motion says.
“The Pakenham South Employment Precinct forms part of the Pakenham/Officer State Significant Industrial Precincts,“ the motion said.
“The Precinct Structure Plan and ICP land is located directly south of the Industrial South East Business Park and south west of the Livestock Exchange.“The ICP will work through a levy on the land’s development to be used by council to fund the necessary infrastructure, a sum estimated to cost $21.8m.”
The motion says the industrial development of the land hopes to provide approximately 3,500 job opportunities for the local area.
“A diverse mix of industrial, manufacturing, warehouses and commercial jobs within the precinct will enable residents living in Cardinia and its surrounds the opportunity to work closer to home and reduce commute times,“ the motion stated.
The motion was passed unanimously, being moved by Councillor Kaye Cameron and seconded by Councillor Graeme Moore.
