The Brimbank council is calling on the federal government to complete a variety of road and transport-based projects within the municipality.
The council has written to the federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, asking for support as part of the new ‘Land Transport Infrastructure Boost’ federal stimulus package.
Mayor Georgina Papafotiou said it would be a much-needed boost for the community during difficult times.
“This is a positive step by the federal government to counter the economic damage from the coronavirus crisis,” Cr Papafotiou said.
“For Brimbank, it is a welcome opportunity to bring forward important infrastructure projects, and kickstart the economy as we look to recover and rebuild.
“We are keen to be part of a government-led recovery that will bring forward much-needed funding for road and transport projects across our city, and we’d be extremely pleased to have the Brimbank projects supported.”
The council has a list of 41 projects it says are largely ready to commence over the next six months, and with the government’s funding have the potential to create jobs, stimulate local economic activity and improve transport outcomes for Brimbank.
“Bringing these projects forward would mean we can employ local people and local businesses to boost economic activity and employment – that’s good news for Brimbank,” Cr Papafotiou said.
“Brimbank already experiences a number of socio-economic challenges across its highly diverse community and is particularly vulnerable to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
“Deploying future capital projects is important to council now more than ever, especially as we experience rising unemployment across our state.”
Projects put forward to the government include: the duplication of some sections of Taylors Road, construction of the Calder Park Drive interchange (including rail crossing removal), additional lanes on the Calder Highway from the Melton Highway to Bulla-Diggers Rest Road, and the installation of traffic signals at major intersections on Ballarat Road (from McIntyre Road to Western Ring Road).
