Gerald Lynch and Hannah Hammoud
This story was originally published in June 2024 and Star Weekly has chosen to share it again for readers to enjoy.
Pleas for funding continue to ring out from Calder Freeway users as they face the harsh reality left as a result of withdrawn funds.
The Calder Action Group has written a letter to the federal opposition, urging its leader, Peter Dutton, to commit to funding a much-needed upgrade.
The federal government had allocated $50 million in funding in 2019 with the state government announcing it would also allocate $50 million to the project in 2021. since then, both funding allocations have been abandoned.
As reported by Star Weekly, the federal government released its long-awaited national infrastructure review in November 2023, revealing the withdrawal of the funding.
In May, the state government then confirmed its decision to pause the freeway upgrade as it works with the federal government to “understand the impact” of its decision to withdraw its funding.
In the letter to Mr Dutton, Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said the group wanted to express its “deep disappointment and concern over the federal government’s decision to cut funding for the Calder Freeway upgrade”.
“This decision is a travesty for the local community, and we are seeking a review of this decision,” he said.
“We have been working tirelessly with federal and state governments, local councils, government agencies, transport authorities, and local stakeholders to push for improvements to this critical road.
“We believe that the federal government’s decision to cut funding does not reflect the view and mood of the community at large and devalues the efforts of all stakeholders over the last 12 years.
“The Calder Freeway is one of Victoria’s most dangerous roads, and it is in urgent need of safety improvements. It is also expected to be Melbourne’s second-most congested road by 2031.”
Mr Mowatt urged Mr Dutton to review the government’s decision and to reveal the opposition’s plans for future funding for the Calder Freeway,
Mr Dutton said funding for the Calder Freeway was extremely important.
“The Calder Freeway upgrade was funded by the Coalition in 2019 to reduce congestion, increase safety, and improve travel times for people in Melbourne’s fast-growing outer north,” he said.
“The Coalition remains committed to supporting infrastructure projects in outer northern Melbourne that ease congestion and improve the efficiency of our road network.
“We will be announcing specific infrastructure funding commitments as we approach the next election.”
