Investment and productivity

South East Melbourne already generates approximately 44 per cent of Melbourne's manufacturing output and will continue to grow. The region is already a very significant contributor to local and regional agricultural, wine and food production. SEM will use its vast opportunities to further develop and diversity our region's economy.

However, there is a fundamental mismatch between job provision and population concentration, many residents are forced to seek employment outside of the region as a result of the way that local economies have grown. As of 2011, an estimated 102,000 residents left the municipalities every day for work (15,000 more than in 2006).

Promoting jobs growth and expanding our state economy requires discipline and investment in long-term, forward-looking planning.