The push for the west of Melbourne to become its own region

An unprecedented boom in population in Melbourne’s west has prompted calls for the creation of a new region from Laverton to Geelong.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the council is home to more than 250,000 people, surpassing Greater Geelong.

Wyndham Mayor Peter Maynard told Ross and John the idea to create a new region might attract more investment and funding.

“Certainly it’s affordable, people are coming here at a rate of knots,” he said.

“Having the ability to advocate government to show what is happening in the region.”

Statistics show:

• 90 babies are born on average every week in the municipality
• In the next 17 years they need 23 kindergartens, 20 primary schools and 5 secondary colleges
• More than two thirds of residents travel out of the area for work

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