Tara Murray
Brimbank council has launched a campaign to secure funding to upgrade the Calder Freeway.
Mayor Ranka Rasic kick-started the campaign at last week’s council meeting by raising a notice calling for an upgrade of the freeway.
The council will write to state and federal MPs, calling for the state government to at least match the federal government’s commitment of $50 million to address immediate needs for upgrades.
The council wants the upgrades to include the construction of a full diamond interchange at the intersection of the Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive, the grade separation of the Sunbury train line at Calder Park Drive and the duplication of Calder Park Drive between Calder Freeway and Melton Highway.
They also want funding allocated for the Calder Freeway between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the Melton Highway to bring it up to freeway standard, which would include additional lanes from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway, widening of the Maribyrnong River Bridge and reinstatement of the 100 km/h speed limit.
Cr Rasic said the upgrades would help reduce travel time, slash congestion and most importantly, save lives .
“Since being elected as mayor, every meeting so far, attendances with state and federal members of parliament I have mentioned an urgent need to upgrade the Calder,” she said.
“This notice of motion will mark the beginning of a strong campaign that I will lead. For far too long the Calder has been isolated from any significant funding and that needs to change.
“There’s no doubt many of us have been stuck bumper to bumper on the Calder, or have even witnessed an accident on this substandard road.
“This is the missing link in our regional road network.”
Cr Rasic said between 2015 and 2019, there had been more than 80 crashes and more than 200 people injured on the freeway. In that time, four people have lost their lives.
“At a minimum, council is calling on the state government to match the federal government’s funding commitment, and also to consider the North-West City Deal for potential greater investment from both governments to fully upgrading the Calder Freeway corridor.
“Road safety is important to everyone in our community and these upgrades will improve transport outcomes for Brimbank and the surrounding region.”
Cr Virginia Tachos said the upgrade was necessary and it was time to put the pressure on the governments.
The Calder Action Group, which has been campaigning for many of these changes, has welcomed the council’s campaign.
Group president Russell Mowatt said they now needed both governments to come on board.
He said it had been 10 years since there had been any significant investment in the area.
“Council getting on board is an excellent outcome,” he said.
“The Fix the Calder has been our campaign and we’re glad the council has got on board.
“We need to work together and have one collective community voice. We want the same approach from the federal and state governments.”
“The community is working together, but we want the responsible people who fund this, to work together with us.”
Mr Mowatt said the growth in areas like Hillside, Fraser Rise, Diggers Rest, Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, means upgrades are needed now more than ever.
