Brimbank council is calling for certainty around funding and timeframes for major road and rail projects in the upcoming state budget.
Melbourne Airport Rail, Sunshine station masterplan, Albion station upgrade and the Calder Park Drive interchange are the big ticket items the council is calling for state government support.
The council wants confirmation of the state government’s $5 billion commitment to the Melbourne Airport Rail and the associated timeline.
The council is calling on MAR to be completed ahead of the opening of the third runway at Melbourne Airport in 2031.
It also wants to see funding for the implementation of the Sunshine station masterplan and Albion station rebuild and associated timelines for both projects to be revealed.
The council is also calling for funding for the construction of the Calder Park Drive interchange and the associated timeline.
The federal government recently contributed $300 million to the project. In last year’s state budget, money for the Calder Park Drive project was scrapped.
Mayor Thuy Dang said they had been clear about their priorities and the need for the state government to invest in the west.
“We are looking forward to the delivery of the State Budget and to understanding how it will benefit the people of Brimbank,” she said.
“The federal government has already locked in its support for the Melbourne Airport Rail, and now we need assurance of the Victorian government’s $5 billion commitment and clarity on the start and end dates for these critical transport works, including the delivery of the Sunshine station precinct Masterplan.
“Similarly, we look forward to the delivery of the funding promised for Calder Park Drive. These projects directly impact the safety and quality of life of everyone living in the west – they simply must be delivered in the state budget. We cannot wait any longer.”
The council is also calling for road safety upgrades and upgrades to sporting facilities.
