By Casey Neill
Amazon’s move into Dandenong South could bring more than just jobs to the region.
Committee for Dandenong spokesman Jamie Sturgess said it should prompt the State Government to follow through on infrastructure investment.
“Amazon is just a great mountain for us to sing this from,” he said.
“It’s the exact same thing that we’ve been saying for a bloody long time.”
On Thursday 3 August, the US-based online shopping giant confirmed that a 24,000 square metre site in Pellicano’s M2 Industry Park would be its first Australian warehouse and distribution centre.
Amazon said the move would create hundreds of new jobs and it was recruiting operations managers, pickers, packers, systems technicians and HR specialists.
Mr Sturgess said Amazon’s arrival was a great advertisement for Dandenong South.
“It will draw other businesses into the area if Amazon is a roaring success,” he said.
“For that to happen, the State Government’s got to make moves on infrastructure.
“Urgent, practical and strategic action is needed to make sure the south-east of Melbourne is not left behind or loses it competitive advantage.”
He said key projects included an overpass to connect Remington Drive to Pound Road West, the Abbotts Road level crossing removal, a Bangholme Road EastLink exit ramp, the Port of Hastings, the long-planned Dandenong South Inland Port project and more.
“Imagine if the Dandenong Bypass doesn’t stop at South Gippy Highway but goes onto the Monash?” Mr Sturgess said.
“The pendulum’s shifting.
“It’s a domino effect. The first domino is Amazon.
“It’s in the hands of the State Government now.
“We met with the premier late last year and he is acutely aware of the economic, social and political advantages of investing in the region’s transport infrastructure.
“He knows that road, rail and inland ports are key to job creation, high growth industries, industry transformation, economic stimulus and a long-term Labor Government in Victoria.”
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the State Government was boosting local transport infrastructure to boost the success of local industry and make travel easier for local workers.
“I will continue to make the case for more investment and even more jobs growth in our region,” she said.
“There is always more to do.”
In April Amazon announced its intention to bring retail sales to Australia.
“This new fulfilment centre will stock hundreds of thousands of products which will be available for delivery to customers across Australia when we launch our retail offering,” Amazon’s Australian operations director Robert Bruce said.
“We are thrilled to be creating hundreds of new roles in Dandenong South.
“This is just the start.”
Amazon already has almost 1000 employees in Australia. Details on available jobs are at www.amazon.jobs.
