GUEST SPEAKER - BILL MILLARD

Chairman Past president John Harris introduced guest speaker Bill Millard from Warrnambool City Council to speak on City Projects Update and Future City Growth Opportunities Including the China Link.

Bill Millard holds responsibility for City Development (Strategy, Town Planning and Building), Environmental Services, Tourism and Visitor Services and Economic Development. He has a background in the agricultural industry and community development and holds a Masters of Business with a strong interest in strategic planning and facilitating economic and business growth. He is a passionate supporter of the benefits of living and working in regional communities. Warrnambool is a modern and progressive city but has been hit by the uncertainty surrounding the global financial crisis. Steady economic decline in recent years was affecting both residential and commercial development. Things are very tough.  A recent Warrnambool-based business survey showed lower confidence levels, which is a reflection of what’s happening in other parts of Australia. Building permits are down 30% on last year and there are now 70 empty shops in the Warrnambool CBD.  Hiring intentions are down and an air of caution exists.

 

Figures for June, July and August this year show 107 permits were issued for projects valued at $12.2 million, while for the same period last year there were 161 permits valued at $33.8 million.

 

In the residential sector there was a 37 per cent fall in permit numbers, while project value was down $3.17 million. The Council’s own Building Services Department recorded a 30 per cent fall in the number of residential permits, but a $340,000 gain in project value.

 

The biggest slump was for commercial project approvals by private operators, which were down in value $18.4 million and 15 per cent in numbers, while the Council’s department approvals for commercial jobs were the same number as last year, with a $372,529 rise in value. Even so, five major developments are under way:

Warrnambool’s population is predicted to grow at 1.4 per cent a year, reaching 43,000 by 2031. More than 80 per cent of this expansion is predicted to be in new growth areas, but more needs to be done to boost numbers with in-fill housing in existing neighbourhoods by setting a growth target More affordable housing projects are also needed.  With the new residential areas recently approved in Dennington, north Warrnambool and Hopkins Point the city is expected to have about 24 years of residential land supply. The old woollen mill site is also a great example of how a former factory area can be successfully transformed for housing, and has attracted much interest.