By Bonny Burrows
Premier Daniel Andrews has paid a visit to a Pakenham factory at the core of the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project, bringing with it the creation of up to 200 local jobs.
Mr Andrews and Industry and Employment Minister Wade Noonan on Tuesday 14 February toured the purpose-built facility that creates concrete segments for the crossing removal project, spruiking its benefits for local employment.
He said 100 local workers were employed during the factory’s development, with 200 concreters, steel fixers, welders and plant operators currently working to produce up to 17 concrete segments daily.
Mr Noonan said many of these workers lived in the Pakenham area, while 92 per cent of the building material was sourced locally.
“By setting strict requirements for local content on major projects, and putting more apprentices and trainees into work, we’re making sure Victorians reap the benefits of our investments,” Mr Noonan said.
The $ 1.6 billion project will see the removal of nine level crossings and the construction of five new metropolitan train stations.
Mr Andrews said the Pakenham line would benefit through improved safety, and a more reliable and efficient train network.
Once the project was complete, the government planned to use the Pakenham factory “for many different purposes”, he said.
