SEMMA calls for strategic investment to sustain the growth and economic output of South-East Melbourne.
The South – East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) is championing the region’s manufacturing prowess following the launch of the Deloitte Economics – GSEM: Australia’s Manufacturing Powerhouse Report. The report confirms the South-East of Melbourne as the nation’s largest manufacturing hub by workforce, output, and economic contribution.
The Deloitte report shows the Greater South-East of Melbourne (GSEM) manufacturing region outperforms its size on a per capita basis by nearly 60 per cent compared to Western Sydney, producing $89 billion in output from 3,801 manufacturing businesses employing 75,046 people. This equates to 27 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing workforce and 35 per cent of the state’s total manufacturing output.
SEMMA CEO Honi Walker said the report is proof of manufacturing’s importance to the Victorian and National economy, and reinforcement that Victoria and the South-East of Melbourne is the manufacturing powerhouse of Australia.
“The highest number of manufacturers are located here, employing the most people, with higher economic output than our nearest rival,” she said. “The Greater South-East of Melbourne has been at the centre of manufacturing in this state for a very long time – and SEMMA will continue to advocate to ensure this region remains front and centre for all things manufacturing.
“We wear this badge with pride – SEMMA proudly represents Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse.”
SEMMA, which has advocated for manufacturers in the region for 22 years, co-hosted Senator the Hon. Tim Ayres at an Industry Roundtable in late September. During the event, SEMMA presented its Australian Manufacturing BLUEPRINT, demonstrating the sector’s readiness to set ambitious yet achievable GDP targets. SEMMA President Peter Angelico handed the BLUEPRINT to Minister Ayres during the launch event, emphasising the sector’s ambition.
“We’re not afraid to set targets – like 10 per cent GDP for manufacturing in five years – and if our BLUEPRINT is implemented, it can be achieved,” he said.
To maintain and grow this status, SEMMA stresses the need for targeted infrastructure investment. Walker identified the extension of Thompson’s Road as a vital project of growth for the Cardinia region. She said it will unlock the South-East employment corridor as well as freight and residential land, enabling connections to Gippsland, South Gippsland, and the Mornington Peninsula via EastLink, attracting businesses, investment, and jobs.
Other critical projects identified by SEMMA include the proposed Dandenong South Intermodal Freight Terminal, the Port of Hastings, and the proposed South-East Airport.
“These projects are the logical next phase of infrastructure required to optimise current capabilities and continue the growth possible in this region,” Walker added. “We would like to see a commitment from State and Federal Governments for these projects to begin, as they align with Made in Victoria 2030, Victoria’s Industry Plan, and the Future Made in Australia initiative – offering ROI by enabling greater economic productivity into the future.”
While the Deloitte report positions South-East Melbourne as Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse, SEMMA emphasises that continued growth, investment, and government support are critical to retaining this crown.
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