South East Melbourne outstripping Western Sydney in manufacturing jobs growth, according to new report

Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) is the leading manufacturing region in Australia in terms of employment and output, according to new research by Deloitte Access Economics.

According to a statement on Tuesday from the GSEM group of councils – which commissioned the research – the region accounts for 75,046 manufacturing jobs (a quarter the state's total), as well as 3,801 manufacturing businesses. The report finds economic output from the industry is approximately $89 billion.

GSEM – which includes the local government areas of Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox, Monash and the Mornington Peninsula – said its manufacturing workforce was projected to increase 9.3 per cent between 2016 and this year, contrasting this with a decline in of 0.5 per cent and 4.7 per cent nationally and in Western Sydney for the same period.

“South East Melbourne is uniquely placed to lead Australia’s economic renaissance, with advanced manufacturing at the core,” said GSEM Chair Simon McKeon.

The report cited regional strengths including in high-tech industries, the presence of world-class industrial clusters such as in Clayton, access to a skilled and growing workforce, and proximity to key transport corridors.

McKeon added that “Our political leaders need to recognise and celebrate the immense contribution” of the region.

GSEM is advocating for measures such as proactive land use planning to unlock additional industrial capacity and support population growth, targeted infrastructure spending, and further government investment for manufacturers under the federal Future Made in Australia and Victorian Industry Policy strategies.

Picture: credit Facebook/GSEM