Tony De Domenico, Executive Director of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victoria said, "Certainty is the key focus of major industry players in the current economic climate and the quicker the Victorian Government can move on these projects the better.

"With Jewell and Hampton Station precinct sites already on the market and Alphington next, the Victorian development industry will be keen to see Essendon, Windsor, West Footscray, Collingwood, East Richmond, Ringwood and Watsonia Station precincts brought to the market."

Mr. De Domenico said, "The opportunity to invest in projects such as the Station Precinct Enhancement Program, which should not be subject to long planning delays as the projects are supported by Government policy, will be attractive to the property sector.

"The added benefit of the projects being a mix of housing, retail, commercial and public spaces also provide a good economic business case for the development of the Station precincts, which by their very nature attract people and the area is guaranteed an economic base for future businesses located in the refurbished precincts."

Mr. De Domenico said that apart from upgrading the rail facilities, local communities will also benefit from the provision of better facilities and also increased value in surrounding properties as the areas become upgraded.

"Importantly this program is also adding to an upgrade in Melbourne's public transport system and the concept should receive wide community and business support as it is strategically releasing public land to benefit the community in a number of ways," Mr. De Domenico said.

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