Introduction

1.1  Context

In late 2000 the economic development managers of the region began a process to develop a projects-based economic strategy for Melbourne ’s South East. The strategy partners included:-

  • the municipalities of Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston , Knox, Maroondah, Monash, Mornington Peninsula and Whitehorse .
  • the utility providers, Alinta, South East Water and Telstra;
  • the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development;
  • the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services, via the Melbourne Development Board.

The partnership reflected a broadly held view that the economy of Melbourne ’s South East required a unified regional approach, in order to undertake a comprehensive assessment of issues and challenges, and identify emerging opportunities to deliver sustainable growth and prosperity.

1.2         Purpose of the Strategy

The purpose of the Economic Strategy is threefold:-

  • to enhance the level of collaboration between government, business, educational institutions and the private sector;
  • to develop a framework to guide regional economic decision making;
  • to identify and commence delivery of a set of projects directed to facilitating positive economic change.

1.3         Purpose of the Report

The Report sets out:-

  • the objectives and bases of the Economic Strategy for Melbourne ’s South East;
  • principles and key elements of the Strategy;
  • identified regional projects;
  • an implementation framework;
  • next steps in the development and delivery of the Strategy.