Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for the December quarter show Melbourne's outer west had an unemployment rate of 7.4 per cent, well above the state average of 5.2 per cent.

The situation is starkest in Sunshine, where the unemployment rate is 10.4 per cent.

A further 6800 locals joined the unemployment queue in the quarter, the worst result in the state.

The outlook for 2012 remains grim in the wake of Toyota's decision to cut 350 jobs at its Altona plant and glass packaging manufacturer O-I slashing 70 workers from its Spotswood furnace site.

Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said it was part of a worrying trend in Melbourne's west, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Brimbank is highly exposed to manufacturing troubles, with one in five workers in the industry - almost double the number in the next largest category, retail.

As reported by the Weekly,Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn has blamed the carbon tax.

But LeadWest business and projects manager Craig Rowley sees an opportunity in the transition to a cleaner economy.

He said LeadWest wanted to see workers in vulnerable positions given better recognition for their skills to pave the way for new opportunities.

"You have people talking broadly about manufacturing, but with the transition to a clean energy future it's an opportunity for new employment to emerge," he said.

Mr Rowley said the state and federal governments had a responsibility to assist with the change; so did existing and emerging businesses and training bodies.

MatchWorks general manager Michael Wasley said the job service's St Albans and Sunshine offices were two of the organisation's busiest sites.

Many clients had previously worked in manufacturing industries.

"Employment and the satisfaction of receiving income in return for a hard day's work is an important component of social inclusion as is feeling, and being, an active part of the local community," Mr Wasley said.