Tara Murray
Work in and around the Sunshine National Employment and Innovation cluster should be one of Victoria’s key infrastructure projects in the short term, according to a new report.
The Victorian Infrastructure Strategy 2021–2051, released by Infrastructure Victoria, made 94 recommendations about transport and services that would be needed across the state over the next 30 years.
The report stated that the Sunshine National Employment and Innovation cluster should be a priority over the next five years.
As well as developing the cluster, the report is calling for better cycling connections and better bus services in and around Sunshine.
The report also spruiked the benefits of extending the metro train line from Sunshine to Rockbank.
The report said that in the next two years a business case should be delivered, with the project completed by 2031.
It said this would make areas like Deer Park a more attractive place to live.
Upgrades to the Calder and Western freeways, along with developing the Palmers Road and Calder Park Drive corridors were also included in the report.
The report also called for targets to be set to grow social housing, with an increase of demand in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the report aligned with the council’s views for the area.
“Brimbank is the centre of Melbourne’s growing west and while committed infrastructure projects will help improve transport connections for the booming population, it is clear from both these reports that much more is needed,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate for further rail and road infrastructure for the region and sincerely hope that the SRL [suburban rail link] west is brought forward to recognise the huge need for additional connections to key centres across the western region.
“This includes connecting Sunshine and Werribee that are both recognised through Plan Melbourne as National Employment and Innovation clusters.”
